| DATE: | May 15, 2009 |
| SUBJECT: | SNAP - Guidance on Extension for Afghani Special Immigrants |
| TO: | All Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 under the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (Section 602, Division F ofPL 111-8) enacted on March 11, 2009, extended Afghani Special Immigrant (SIV) eligibility for SNAP benefits from six months to eight months. The legislation provides that SIVs are eligible for all benefits available to refugees pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Prior authority under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, PL 110-161 provided for eligibility of benefits for a period not to exceed six months from the date that the immigrant was granted SIV status. The new legislation extends this period by two months. Whether the Afghani SIV is eligible for an additional two months of eligibility depends on the date that they received SIV status, which may or may not coincide with the special immigrant's date of entry. The eight month time limit does not apply to eligible qualified aliens and children under 18.
Additional information about the extension and an explanation of eligibility periods is attached. Attachment A provides guidance related to implementation of the new law in a question and answer format, Attachment B illustrates how the new policy applies to Afghani recipient and new applicant households, and Attachment C provides the Quality Control hold harmless provisions for Afghani special immigrants.
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 Di vision