Please Note
This updated version of FNS-Handbook 310 should only be used for FY 2025 reviews and forward. The previous version of the Quality Control Review Handbook, as amended by QC policy memo 23-01, should be used for remaining FY 2024 reviews.
| DATE: | September 6, 2024 |
| POLICY MEMO: | QC PM 24-03 |
| SUBJECT: | FNS Handbook 310, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Quality Control (QC) Review Handbook, October 2024 |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies All Regional SNAP Directors |
Effective as of the October 2024 SNAP Quality Control sample month, all reviewers must follow the procedures outlined in the updated FNS Handbook 310 dated October 2024. This new version of the handbook incorporates changes resulting from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, Final Rule SNAP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 published April 18, 2023, and SNAP Policy Memorandum: Updates to Paper-Based Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) and Cuban Haitian Entrants dated April 13, 2023. In addition, updates include clarifications of existing review procedures to ensure accurate application of the review policies.
These changes include:
- Including new time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs);
- Adding ‘as of the review date (AORD)’ throughout to assist reviewers in identifying accurate points in time to conduct the QC review;
- Adding a new section on shelter changes as a result of a reported address change;
- Updating and clarifying review procedures for missing mandatory report forms and expired certification periods;
- Updating the process for counting prorated income received by individuals who are ineligible for the program;
- Updating the process for including interest accrued on checking and/or savings accounts and when the reviewer can accept client and/or household statement for it;
- Clarifying language regarding LIHEAP timeframes and payments;
- Specifying timelines for negative actions as part of the review process;
- Adding a negative sample selection sheet to the list of documents submitted for negative cases sent to FNS;
- Clarifying the arbitrator reserves the right to seek policy clarification from subject matter experts at the SNAP national office; and
- Removing appendices A through D and adding placeholders with links to their corresponding SNAP public web locations.
Due to the number of page changes that were required to revise the handbook, FNS is issuing this updated handbook in its entirety rather than individual page changes. Please ensure reviewers are using this updated October 2024 FNS Handbook 310 for their federal fiscal year 2025 reviews and forward. The FNS Handbook 310 can be viewed as an attachment on this page.
Sincerely,
Rachel Frisk
Director
Program Administration and Nutrition Division
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Attachment
- FNS Handbook 310 - Updated October 2024