Cherokee Nation
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SUBJECT: | Retailer Eligibility- Application of 6 Month Waiting Period |
LEGISLATION: | Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, Section 9(d) |
REGULATION: | 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A), 278.1(k)(2), 278.1(m), 278.1(n) |
SUPERSEDES: | Policy Memo 2003-05, “Application of 6 Month Waiting Period for Failing to Meet Authorization Criteria A or B” |
IMPLEMENTATION: | Upon Publication |
This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization. This requirement is intended to prevent ineligible firms from restocking their shelves to meet minimum requirements and reapplying for program participation within a short period of time. The 6-month waiting period would also apply to firms who refuse a store visit. However, the 6- month waiting period does not apply to firms that are not open for business at the time of a store visit or to firms that fail to respond to correspondence from the Food and Nutrition Service. These stores must be withdrawn or denied for non-response, and can reapply at any time.
When an establishment is not open for business at the time of a store visit, FNS shall attempt to contact the firm owner initially by phone for explanation for store closure and to confirm store hours of operation to determine if the store visit can be rescheduled. If FNS is unable to contact firm owner by phone, FNS will then send correspondence in writing as follows:
Firms whose applications or authorizations are withdrawn as a result of not responding to a request for a store visit are not required to wait a minimum of 6 months and can reapply at any time.
Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to: SM.FN.RPMDHQWEB@usda.gov.
Shelly Pierce
Acting Director
Retailer Policy and Management Division
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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.