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.
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.
This policy applies to all TANF-funded subsidized employment paid to SNAP clients or applicants in the form of wages, regardless of the source of TANF funding, including but not limited to funds available to states and Indian tribes through the Emergency Contingency Fund for state TANF programs.
It has come to our attention that a number of states have begun using the emergency fund to develop and implement a wide range of subsidized employment efforts. In addition to the Emergency Fund program, subsidized employment may be funded under the regular TANF block grant or state Maintenance of Effort funds.
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.
We would like to highlight the potential of expanded categorical eligibility to enhance SNAP operations and accessibility.
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.
Attached for immediate distribution to your respective state agencies are questions and answers on implementing a mini–Simplified Food Stamp Program to replace Food Stamp Program work requirements with those under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
On March 22, 2007, this office transmitted the attached memorandum to program directors to clarify that the Food Stamp Act prohibited providing Food Stamp Employment and Training program services to food stamp recipients receiving cash assistance funded by expenditures of state funds that count toward meeting the state’s TANF Maintenance–Of–Effort requirements.