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Resource | Guidance Documents CN: Extend Area Eligibility Waivers Extension 2

This waiver extends until Dec. 31, 2020, the Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers. 

08/31/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

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.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Firms Colocated with a Restaurant

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.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility – Need for Access

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.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Clarification of Criterion A and Criterion B Requirements

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.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers through August 31, 2020

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to extend area eligibility waivers through Aug. 31, 2020 to continue supporting access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

06/10/2020
Resource | Policy WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines (2020-2021)

USDA announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by state agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. These income eligibility guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the WIC regulations.

05/26/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Publication of the 2020-21 WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines

This policy memorandum transmits the 2020-21 Income Eligibility Guidelines for WIC that were published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2020

05/26/2020
Resource | Fact sheets How Do I Apply for SNAP Benefits?

SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits are not cash. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card to buy food at most grocery stores. To get SNAP benefits, your income and other resources have to be under certain limits.

11/27/2019
Resource | Policy FD-146: Questions and Answers about Distribution Procedures in TEFAP

This TEFAP program guidance memorandum provides information on current flexibilities in distribution procedures that are available for state agencies that administer TEFAP. 

11/14/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021