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.
In July 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed rule entitled “Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)." This action closes a loophole that allows states to make participants in certain programs “categorically eligible” to participate in SNAP.
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.
This memo is to inform you of changes and clarifications related to direct certification for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
This memo clarifies FNS policy on serving zero benefit households through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program employment and training program.
This memo contains an attachment of questions and answers on broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) that are based on inquiries from the states.
The purpose of this memorandum is to implement a provision affecting mandatory direct certification for children in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households.
Some state agencies have adopted a version of simplified reporting for other programs, such as Medicaid and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, and are using multi-program report forms for the various programs, including SNAP.
We would like to issue a correction on question 11 from the Questions and Answers on categorical eligibility that were issued on Dec. 15, 2009. The answer incorrectly states that the entire household is no longer categorically eligible if any member of a categorically eligible household fails to comply with work registration, job search, voluntary quit, workfare, or monthly reporting requirements.
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.