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ARRA Benefit Adjustments for Combined Application Projects

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2009-0016
Resource type
Policy Memos
Guidance Documents
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Policy Memo (49.16 KB)
DATE: February 26, 2009
SUBJECT: ARRA Benefit Adjustments for Combined Application Projects
TO: All Regional Directors
Food Stamp Program

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) includes a 13.6 percent increase in maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which equates to a $24 increase for a one–person household.

Please notify the CAP states in your regions that, on April 1, they must implement this increase for all project households. Analysis of Combined Application Project (CAP) cost neutrality data confirms that the adjustment is applicable to both high and low shelter cases in states offering standardized benefits, as well as to all cases in states that do not standardize benefit amounts. The exception to this is states that are not now cost neutral and will need to adjust the amount of the benefit increase to become cost neutral. FNS will work with these states individually.

Arthur H. Foley
Director
Program Development Division

Page updated: December 10, 2021

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.