Policy memo (180.48 KB)
| DATE: | December 18, 2024 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Implementation of the Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 Final Rule |
| TO: | SNAP State Agencies FNS Regional Offices |
On Dec. 17, 2024, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published the final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (89 FR 102342).
This rule finalizes the requirements of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023 (PL 118-5), including updating the SNAP purpose statement, amending the exceptions from the time limit, and reducing the annual allotment of discretionary exemptions. State agencies were required to implement these provisions before this rule’s publication. As a reminder, the changes to the exceptions from the time limit will end on Oct. 1, 2030, unless otherwise amended by law.
This rule also includes requirements initially proposed on April 30, 2024, which describe various able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) time limit policies including adding definitions of the FRA time limit exceptions, clarifying state agency screening and verification requirements. The final rule is effective Jan. 16, 2025. State agencies must implement provisions of this rule on Jan. 16, 2025, with a few exceptions.
The final rule codifies the requirements of the FRA and establishes requirements to assist state agencies in complying with SNAP work requirements policy and encourage collaboration across federal programs. This ensures state agencies properly apply time limit policy, protecting program access and program integrity.
The enclosure provides a summary of the final rule’s provisions and the timeline for implementation. FNS will issue additional guidance in the coming months. State agencies with questions regarding the final rule or its implementation should contact their respective regional office representatives.
Sincerely,
Sasha Gersten-Paal
Director
Program Development Division
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program