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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Work Requirement Policy Resources

Here are some resources to find out more about SNAP ABAWDs and related information. 

10/20/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

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.

08/03/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Institutions of Higher Education and Student Eligibility Rules

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. 

02/07/2023
Resource | Policy SNAP- Clarification on Treatment of Meal Plans at Institutions of Higher Education

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

06/07/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Elderly Simplified Application Project

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.

12/16/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0113 Retailer Eligibility – Need for Access

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate  under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.

RPMD Policy Memorandum 2020-10
07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0111 Retailer Eligibility - Clarification of Criterion A and Criterion B Requirements

To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.

RPMD Policy Memorandum 2020-04
07/13/2020
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 | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0067 United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Restated its Longstanding Policy Regarding Public Charge

Letters to various directors of Human Services with attached public charge fact sheet.

08/23/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0065 Identity Authentication Pilot Projects – Conversion to State Option

Federal law requires state agencies to verify a SNAP applicant's identity and other critical information prior to certifying the household to participate in SNAP. In general, SNAP state agencies verify identity based on documentary evidence, such as a driver's license, obtained through the applicant or a third party.

08/21/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021