FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum provides the FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2023.

FNS is providing a comprehensive list of SNAP resource materials and policy memos to equip state agencies with key information to prepare for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In preparation for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, FNS is sharing critical decision points and important resources state agencies should reference as they plan to reinstate the ABAWD time-limit. 

To help SNAP state agencies prepare for the lifting of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration on May 11, 2023, FNS is sharing the enclosed table summarizing the timelines for ending PHE flexibilities. These flexibilities include waivers of SNAP regulations, adjustments of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, temporary changes to eligibility criteria for ABAWDs and students, and the issuance of EAs during the PHE. 

FNS-SNAP is providing this example notice to help all state agencies develop their own letter/notice to provide to SNAP households about the changes in student exemptions when the federal public health emergency ends. 

FNS is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals receive SNAP benefits. One policy area that impacts eligibility is the statutory and regulatory restrictions that apply to students enrolled in institutions of higher education (IHE). This memo serves to clarify two elements of longstanding SNAP policy: which individuals are considered enrolled in an IHE and, therefore, subject to the student eligibility rules, and which students are exempt from the SNAP work requirements. 

The Food Buying Guide for child nutrition programs has all of the current information in one manual to help you and your purchasing agent buy the right amount of food and the appropriate type of food for your program(s), and determine the specific contribution each food makes toward the meal pattern requirements.

Clarification on SNAP eligibility for residents of institutions of higher education with meal plans.

FNS is establishing a targeted waiver, for all states and local educational agencies, to extend statutory and regulatory deadlines relating to Community Eligibility Provision reporting and election during the public health emergency due to COVID–19.

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a demonstration project that seeks to increase participation among the elderly low-income population by streamlining the application and certification process.