FNS Documents & Resources

Attached are questions and answers from Nov. 20, 2009,  Dec. 15, 2009 and Jan. 26, 2010 on the implementation of categorical eligibility and the reporting requirements for categorically eligible households. These questions are in response to inquiries from the states.

A recently enacted law changes the treatment of the $25 supplemental weekly Unemployment Compensation payment authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2OO9 (ARRA) authorized.

This memorandum applies only to state agencies that include the following (or similar) wording on a SNAP application: "Failure to report or verify any of the above listed expenses will be seen as a statement by your household that you do not want to receive a deduction for the unreported expense."

Attached are questions and answers in response to common issues raised by states regarding the Census 2010 Demonstration Projects.

The purpose of this demonstration project is to support the Census Bureau in recruitment and to assist SNAP clients in obtaining valuable work experience that may help lead to greater self-sufficiency.

We would like to highlight the potential of expanded categorical eligibility to enhance SNAP operations and accessibility.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 created the "Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund" for certain veterans and the spouses of veterans who served in the military of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War II. SNAP will exclude these payments from income and resources when determining eligibility and allotments, and for all other purposes.

This memorandum modifies the policy related to categorical eligibility for free meals or free milk for children who are members of a household receiving assistance under SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise you of the FNS decision to offer state agencies the opportunity to participate in a demonstration project to exclude earned income from temporary employment in the 2010 census.

For over thirty years, SNAP has deducted the cost of telephones in determining a household's eligibility and benefit amounts, either by deducting actual telephone bills or standard telephone allowances.