The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a demonstration project that seeks to increase participation among the elderly low-income population by streamlining the application and certification process.
This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.
This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "retail food store," to say that, when multiple firms operating at the same location meet certain elements, FNS will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.
SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.
To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.
FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.
Each fiscal year, state SNAP agencies must conduct management evaluations in certain project areas within the state. States must schedule and complete these ME reviews and the areas of program operation targeted for the fiscal year by FNS. However, the COVID-19 public health emergency has disrupted state ME activities.