The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act), requires verification of household eligibility for SNAP benefits, confirm household eligibility throughout participation in the program, and ensure that households receive the correct benefit amount. State agencies are responsible for determining the eligibility of applicant households and issuing benefits to those households entitled to benefits under the Act.
This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies.
SNAP helps people living on low-income buy nutritious food, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Through SNAP outreach, FNS works with state and local agencies, advocates, employers, and community and faith-based organizations, to reach people who are not currently participating in SNAP but may be eligible. Outreach efforts share information about the nutrition benefits of SNAP.
FNS is committed to increasing access to SNAP, one of the most powerful tools available to ensure low-income people have access to healthy food. Program informational activities, or SNAP outreach activities, are a critical tool to ensure vulnerable populations are aware of the availability, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits of SNAP.
This guidance clarifies reporting expectations for the Certifications Section of the Program and Budget Summary Statement, Part B - Program Activity Statement (FNS-366B). This guidance replaces the previously issued guidance entitled Clarifications for Reporting on the Certification Section of the FNS-366B, dated Jan. 11, 2017.
States are responsible for meeting federal SNAP requirements for timely processing of applications. This resource summarizes the valuable information contributed by participating states.
States are responsible for maintaining the integrity of SNAP by issuing accurate benefits to eligible households. This resource summarizes the valuable information contributed by participating states.