Policy memo (105.62 KB)
| DATE: | December 18, 2024 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – State Quality Control (QC) Access to Waiver and Demonstration Project Information |
| MEMO: | QC Policy Memo: 25-02 |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies All Regional SNAP Directors |
Per regulations at 7 CFR 272.3(c), the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) may approve waiver requests of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) regulations, and per 7 CFR 282.1(a), FNS may approve demonstration projects that deviate from SNAP provisions in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. State agencies request FNS approval of a SNAP waiver or demonstration project through SNAP’s web-based Waiver Information Management System (WIMS). FNS’s responses to state agency requests are also documented in WIMS. FNS approval letters include the specific alternative procedures permitted for implementing approved waivers and demonstration projects.
SNAP’s quality control (QC) regulations at 7 CFR 275.10(a) and 7 CFR 275.11(g) indicate QC reviewers must take into account the alternative procedures permitted for approved waivers and demonstration projects when reviewing cases. This memorandum is to remind state agencies it is important for state SNAP QC staff to have access to WIMS. In addition, FNS encourages SNAP state agencies to regularly train all staff on the approved alternative procedures for all current SNAP waivers and demonstration projects.
WIMS Access and Resources
State agencies that need assistance in obtaining staff access to WIMS should reach out to their FNS regional office.
Staff may refer to the WIMS State User Manual for detailed instructions on how to request a waiver and how to view FNS responses and approvals.
State agencies with questions should contact their respective FNS regional office representatives.
Sincerely,
Rachel Frisk
Director
Program Administration and Nutrition Division
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program