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Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Ensuring Timely Benefits to Eligible Households

This memorandum provides a reminder to state agencies that under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, all eligible households must have the opportunity to participate in SNAP within 30 days of application or seven days if they are entitled to expedited service.

12/02/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Implementation of the National Accuracy Clearinghouse Interim Final Rule Memo

This landmark rule establishes requirements for state agencies to use the NAC, an innovative technology-based solution designed to identify and prevent duplicate participation. As a result, this rule takes significant steps to both enhance program integrity by reducing the risk of improper payments and improve customer service by requiring state agencies to take timely action to resolve NAC matches. 

10/05/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Memorandum on Tribal Consultation Requirements

USDA FNS, Tribes, and SNAP state agencies share goals to improve nutrition and health for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) through nutrition assistance and nutrition education.

09/13/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Revised Non-Merit System Personnel Guidance for Call Centers

Consistent with USDA's efforts to increase state flexibility within the bounds of the law, FNS is expanding allowable activities for states seeking to use non-merit system personnel in call centers. With FNS approval, states may now use non-merit personnel to provide basic case-specific information that is readily available in the system to a SNAP applicant or participant, such as application or case status, benefit issuance date, and status of submitted verifications. 

12/19/2017
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP - Issues with Certification Materials Submission Instructions

This memo discusses SNAP applications and other documents being sent by clients to the USDA Office of Civil Rights instead of the appropriate state SNAP office. The memo outlines best practices states can use to make submission instructions clearer for clients.

10/11/2017
Resource | Final Rule Interim and Final Rule: FSP Regulatory Review - Standards for Approval and Operation of Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems

This action provides interim and final rulemaking for a proposed rule. It revises Food Stamp Program rules affecting the standards for approval and operation of Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer systems.

04/11/2005
Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: FSP Regulatory Review: Standards for Approval and Operation of Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems

This proposed rule will increase state agency flexibility in administering the program and maximize the advantages afforded by the technology.

07/12/2001
Resource | Policy Memos TANF Vehicle Rules for the Food Stamp Program

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2001 increases the maximum excess shelter expense deduction and allows sates to substitute their TANF vehicle rules for the food stamp vehicle rules where doing so would result in a lower attribution of resources to food stamp households.

10/28/2000
Page updated: October 14, 2021