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Resource | Brochures How Do I Apply for SNAP Benefits?

SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits are not cash. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card to buy food at most grocery stores. To get SNAP benefits, your income and other resources have to be under certain limits.

SNAP 313
11/27/2019
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 | Comment Request Revision of Categorical Eligibility in SNAP - Reopening of Comment Period

The Food and Nutrition Service proposed to make changes to SNAP regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. 

10/18/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2010-0027 Multi-Program Periodic Report Forms

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. 

08/03/2010
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0060 Clarifying SNAP Reporting Requirements - "Known to the State agency"

The national office recently has received several questions from regional offices concerning what should be considered "known to the state agency" for SNAP reporting purposes.

11/24/2008
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0058 Clarification of Farm Bill Certification Provisions of SNAP - Questions and Answers #3

Attached are additional questions and answers in response to issues raised by state agencies on SNAP certification and eligibility provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

11/20/2008
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0048 Q&As on Certification Issues from the 2008 Farm Bill #2

Questions and answers on the certification issues in the 2008 Farm Bill. 

08/29/2008
Page updated: October 14, 2021