This is a revision of currently approved information collection requirements associated with initiating collection actions against individuals/households who have received an overissuance in SNAP.
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).
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act), requires verification of household eligibility for SNAP benefits, confirm household eligibility throughout participation in the program, and ensure that households receive the correct benefit amount. State agencies are responsible for determining the eligibility of applicant households and issuing benefits to those households entitled to benefits under the Act.
Through this rulemaking, FNS aims to improve the quality of race and ethnicity data collected and to ensure program benefits are distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin.
With this final rule, FNS is revising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations that cover collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data by state agencies on persons receiving benefits from SNAP.
On Sept. 30, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, funding the federal government through Nov. 17, 2023. This memorandum is intended to clarify the impact of the continuing resolution on upcoming SNAP benefit issuance.
States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection.
This communication is intended to provide states with information about a change in the FNS accounting process for obligating SNAP funds.