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."

This memorandum provides guidance on reporting expenditures of SNAP benefits funds in order to comply with reporting requirements of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 and OMB guidance implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

This memorandum clarifies FNS regulations and policies regarding the allowability of requiring payment and soliciting contributions (i.e., "payments" or "pay") in exchange for foods from FNS program participants.

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.

On March 6, 2009, FNS allocated the FY 2009 funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This is to allocate the funds for FY 2010

Policy Memoranda FD-063, Household Eligibility Determinations for Disaster or Emergency Evacuees Residing with a Host Family (dated Dec. 4, 2006), and FD-072, FDPIR Households Displaced During a Disaster (dated Feb. 19, 2008), are cancelled.