FNS Documents & Resources

Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the time able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt.

The memorandum that follows is intended to update earlier guidance provided to state agencies on the treatment of gift cards in determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility and benefits.

The memorandum that follows is intended to update earlier guidance provided to state agencies on the treatment of retirement accounts in determining SNAP eligibility.

This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2017 Cost-of-Living-Adjustments to SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2016.

On Feb. 7, 2014, SNAP was reauthorized as part of The Agricultural Act of 2014. Attached is an implementing memorandum describing Section 4006, "Standard Utility Allowances Based on the Receipt of Energy Assistance."

This memorandum provides regional offices with guidance as they work with states to ensure that online and paper SNAP applications meet federal requirements and are user-friendly, understandable and effective.

This memorandum provides guidance to states on how to treat MLR rebates received by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households.

This memorandum is to reaffirm FNS policy regarding the SNAP medical deduction and medicinal marijuana. Due to the increase in the number of states with laws that permit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, FNS is now reaffirming its long standing policy that a household may not utilize the SNAP medical deduction for the cost of any substance considered illegal under federal law.

This proposed rule would implement provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 affecting the eligibility, benefits, certification, and employment and training requirements for applicant or participant households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from continuing fluctuations in energy prices, FNS is modifying the Standard Utility Allowance blanket waiver memorandum of Oct. 14, 2010 to allow certain states to extend fiscal year (FY) 2010 SUA amounts through March 31, 2011.