| DATE: | Sept. 1, 2017 |
| SUBJECT: | 2017 SNAP Disaster Evacuee Policy for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Area Evacuees |
| TO: | All Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is issuing this policy to provide states with flexibility to serve Hurricane Harvey evacuees. States may choose to either serve evacuees through expedited SNAP rules or through the simplified program rules in the Evacuee Policy, as described in this memorandum. When applying the Evacuee Policy, states must use the criteria detailed in this memorandum for determining eligibility, household composition, verification, benefit allotments, and duplicate participation. This memorandum also outlines the reporting and Quality Control processes for cases processed under the Evacuee Policy.
All state agencies processing evacuee cases must notify FNS in writing of which option they select to serve evacuees.
FNS is committed to providing technical assistance to state agencies serving participants who have evacuated areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Please distribute this guidance to your state agencies and advise them to contact their respective FNS regional offices with any questions.
Jeffrey N. Cohen
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program