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Resource | Policy SNAP – Waiver of the Interview Phaseout to Support Unwinding from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

This memo explains that FNS is offering certain states the opportunity to request a short-term interview waiver. FNS recognizes that unwinding from the PHE and staffing challenges have put a continuing strain on states and is providing additional time for states to return to normal processing regarding the interview.

03/26/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
Resource | Policy Use of Advanced Automation in SNAP

This memo provides State agencies with guidance on allowable use of advanced automation technologies. 

01/10/2024
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0109 State Guidance on Pandemic EBT

USDA is committed to providing nutrition assistance to hard-hit families across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. In support of President Biden’s call to action on hunger, USDA announced that it is increasing the Pandemic EBT benefit by approximately 15 percent, providing more money for low-income families and millions of children missing meals due to school and child care closures.

11/03/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC and FMNP: Available Expedited ARPA Waivers and Request Process

This letter provides information to WIC state agencies and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program state agencies on available American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 waivers and a new state agency request process.

10/17/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Temporary Administrative Waivers Available to State Agencies to Support Unwinding from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

FNS is issuing this guidance to assist SNAP state agencies planning for the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. FNS recognizes any change in program operations can be challenging to implement and appreciates the work state agencies do to continue to adapt in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. This guidance is for state agency planning purposes and does not signal or confirm when the federal PHE declaration will end.

07/27/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Ensuring Language Access and Effective Communication In Consideration of the Unwinding of the SNAP Emergency Allotments and COVID-19- Program Flexibilities

Ensuring Language Access for Limited English Proficient Individuals and Effective Communication for Individuals with Disabilities In Consideration of the Recent Unwinding of the SNAP Emergency Allotments and Upcoming Unwinding of COVID-19- Program Flexibilities.

05/30/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Use of Virtual D-SNAP Operations Reminders and Updates

This memo reiterates and extends the guidance, “Use of Virtual Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) Operations in Remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and FY 2022,” issued on Aug. 2, 2021. This memo provides lessons learned and best practices for D-SNAP operations with virtual components.

04/13/2023
Resource | Policy Memos D-SNAP Policy Clarifications for Traditional and Virtual Operations

State agencies have faced unprecedented challenges during the last two fiscal years while operating a D-SNAP with a virtual component. This memo clarifies the following D-SNAP policies for virtual, hybrid or in person environments: food loss alone for D-SNAP eligibility, 72-hour timeliness requirement and needs assessment.

04/13/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021