SNAP - Extension for Afghani Special Immigrants

FNS guidance of March 20, 2008 provided that the eligibility of Afghani Special Immigrants was in effect through Sept. 30, 2008 under PL 110-161, The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2008. This is to notify you that new legislation under PL 110-329, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act 2009, provides continuing appropriations for Afghani Special Immigrants and their eligible family members. This new provision effectively continues eligibility for SNAP benefits for Afghani special immigrant households beyond Sept. 30, 2008, until the end of fiscal year 2009. FNS will notify affected parties if any changes are made to the law.

The guidance provided that the date of eligibility for adult Afghani special immigrants will depend on when the individual was granted special immigrant status, and may or may not coincide with the special immigrant's date of entry. The period of eligibility cannot exceed six months. This time limit does not apply to eligible qualified aliens and children under 18, who are eligible under normal program rules.

Quality Control Review Procedures

There is no hold harmless period for this section as the provision is already implemented. The hold harmless period was provided beginning Dec. 26, 2007, when the law was initially effective and again when revised guidance was issued on March 20, 2008.

State agencies that have questions regarding this guidance should contact their respective regional office representative. Regional office staff who have questions regarding this guidance should contact their respective liaison in the Certification Policy Branch.

Arthur T. Foley
Director
Program Development Division