PL 116-159 - Continuing Resolution SNAP State Options

The Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 (PL 116-159) to extend federal appropriations through Dec. 11, 2020, was signed into law on Oct. 1, 2020. The resolution extends a number of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) flexibilities approved under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and permits state SNAP agencies to adopt certain options without Food and Nutrition Service approval. The Continuing Resolution provides a finite time period for each adjustment option. The options below are available to states regardless of whether or not a public health emergency declaration or a state emergency declaration are in place.

Extend Certification Periods and Adjust Periodic Reports

Extend certification periods for up to 6 months and adjust periodic report requirements for some or all households, consistent with the terms and conditions of FNS’s April 22, 2020, blanket approval. This option is only available to households with certification periods set to expire or periodic reports due on or before June 30, 2021.

Use Periodic Reporting Procedures to Recertify Households

Use the periodic reporting procedures under 7 CFR 273.12(a)(5)(iii) to satisfy recertification requirements under 7 CFR 273.14 to establish a new certification period. The state may use its current periodic reporting procedures to recertify some or all participating households with recertification periods set to expire on or before Dec. 31, 2021, including cases whose certification periods or periodic reporting requirements were extended using the option above.

Waive Initial and Recertification Interviews

Adjust interview requirements through June 30, 2021, consistent with the terms and conditions of FNS’ March 26, 2020, blanket approval:

• By not requiring a household to complete an interview prior to approval, provided the applicant’s identity has been verified and all other mandatory verifications in 7 CFR 273.2(f)(1) have been completed.
• By not offering a face-to-face interview or granting a request for a face-to-face interview to any household at application or recertification.
• By not requiring households that are eligible for expedited service to complete an interview prior to approval, provided that an applicant’s identity has been identified and an attempt has been made to contact the household for an interview.

For a full list of COVID-19 adjustments taken by each state under the Continuing Resolution, please refer to the excel file on the left-hand column of this page under Resource Materials. FNS will provide weekly updates on the options selected by states.