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Resource | Info Sheets Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

Broad-based categorical eligibility is a policy that makes most households categorically eligible for SNAP because they qualify for a non-cash TANF or state maintenance of effort funded benefit.

11/02/2023
Resource | Proposed Rule Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes to prescribe how it determines whether a noncitizen is inadmissible to the United States under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because they are likely at any time to become a public charge. 

02/24/2022
Resource | Notices Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the SNAP - Withdrawal

This document informs the public that the FNS is withdrawing the proposed rule titled Revision of Categorical Eligibility in SNAP that published in the Federal Register on July 24, 2019.

06/10/2021
Resource | FAQs/Q&As | FNS-GD-2021-0011 Q&A on Sections 702(a), (b), and (d) of The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

The Q&A describes the temporary increase to the maximum monthly allotments and exclusion of pandemic unemployment compensation payments from SNAP income. 

02/18/2021
Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the SNAP

USDA proposes updating the regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of TANF benefits. Specifically, the Department proposes: (1) to define “benefits” for categorical eligibility to mean ongoing and substantial benefits; and (2) to limit the types of non-cash TANF benefits conferring categorical eligibility to those that focus on subsidized employment, work supports and childcare. The proposed rule would also require state agencies to inform FNS of all non-cash TANF benefits that confer categorical eligibility.

10/21/2019
Resource | Comment Request Revision of Categorical Eligibility in SNAP - Reopening of Comment Period

The Food and Nutrition Service proposed to make changes to SNAP regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. 

10/18/2019
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Funds Provided to American Indians/Alaska Natives that are Excluded by Law

This document describes funds provided to American Indians/Alaska Natives that are excluded by federal law when determining eligibility for the FDPIR program.

08/09/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0050 Q&As regarding Military Combat Pay

FNS is issuing this memorandum in fulfillment of the commitment made in the preamble of the SNAP: Eligibility, Certification, and Employment and Training Provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 final rule to provide additional guidance for state agencies on how to carry out the exclusion of certain military combat-related pay from income for purposes of SNAP eligibility determinations.

08/28/2017
Resource | Fact Sheets Excluded Retirement Accounts

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the amount of resources that a household may have and still receive SNAP benefits. Resources can include, but are not limited to, cash and funds in checking or savings accounts.

04/14/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2016-0101 Clarification on Characteristics of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility Programs Memo

FNS is issuing this memorandum in an effort to clarify the characteristics of BBCE programs and the actions states must take to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

12/27/2016
Page updated: October 14, 2021