Policy Memo (143.25 KB)
| DATE: | April 1, 2019 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Extending Approval Periods for Certain Administrative Waivers |
| TO: | Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program All Regions |
In a continuous effort to provide state agencies with opportunities for greater flexibility, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will provide longer approval periods for the administrative waivers listed below as these waivers have been shown to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SNAP operations. FNS believes this change will reduce workload and alleviate undue administrative burden on state agencies.
| Waiver Type | Prior Approval Period | New Approval Period (Initial Requests) | New Approval Period (Extension Requests) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combine Reminder Notice and Adequate Notice (Combined Notices) | 2 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Deny Applications Before the 30th Day (Early Denial) | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years |
| Prisoner Pre-Release Application Filing (Pre-Release) | 2 years | 2 years | 4 years |
| Providing Postage for Change Report Forms (No Postage) | 2 years | 2 years | 4 years |
| Reinstate Eligibility (Reinstatement) | 2 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Unscheduled Interview (On-Demand) | 2 years | 2 years | 4 years |
Please be advised that FNS reserves the right to approve these waivers with alternate approval periods in cases where the state agency demonstrates significant challenges in the successful implementation or operation of these waivers.
We continue to encourage regional offices to work with state agencies to ensure all administrative waiver requests are submitted 60 days prior to their target implementation date.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to streamline our waiver processes.
Lizbeth Silbermann
Director
Program Development Division