Cherokee Nation
Good News! SUN Bucks is Available in Your Location
Find stores near you that accept SUN Bucks, or learn how to qualify and apply.
DATE: | Dec. 27, 2016 |
SUBJECT: | Clarification on Characteristics of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility Programs |
TO: | Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program All Regions |
FROM: | Lizbeth Silbermann Director, Program Development Division Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) is a complex area of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy and the number of states using BBCE has grown since the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) last issued guidance on this topic. Given the nuances of this option and the dynamic nature of state operational policies and practices, FNS recognizes the potential for misapplication of policy as local programs adapt to changing circumstances. FNS is issuing this memorandum in an effort to clarify the characteristics of BBCE programs and the actions states must take to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
This policy memorandum reiterates policies outlined in earlier policy memoranda, most directly those issued on Sept. 30, 2009, Jan. 26, 2010, and Jan. 31, 2011. This policy memorandum is not applicable to traditional cash categorical eligibility programs, it is only applicable to BBCE.
BBCE shall only be conferred to SNAP households who have received or were authorized to receive non-cash benefits or services from a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state Maintenance of Effort (MOE) program that meets SNAP statutory and regulatory requirements. To this end, FNS would like to direct state agencies’ attention to the following regulatory requirements, which are discussed in greater detail in the Questions and Answers Section.
State agencies should review BBCE statutory and regulatory requirements in order to ensure that the TANF/MOE programs conferring eligibility in their state are consistent with SNAP regulations. The following Questions and Answers Section may be helpful to state agencies in this review.
Lizbeth Silbermann
Director
Program Development Division
The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.