Policy memo (126.43 KB)
| DATE: | June 6, 2024 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Flexibility in Timeframes for Requesting Verification |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies All Regions |
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) understands many households apply to both Medicaid and SNAP simultaneously, and states agencies often operate these important programs jointly. On April 2, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, published the final rule Medicaid Program; Streamlining the Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes. This final rule requires state agencies to allow a minimum of 15 days for households to provide required verification for Medicaid. This memo highlights flexibility for state agencies to give households more time to submit verification required for SNAP eligibility and benefit amount determinations.
SNAP state agencies are required to allow a minimum of 10 days for households to provide required verification. Program rules 1 also permit discretion to increase this timeframe. This flexibility allows state agencies to align the SNAP and Medicaid response period to 15 days. FNS strongly encourages state agencies to consider the benefits of aligning processes across Federal assistance programs and adjust response times when possible.
Aligning verification timeframes for Medicaid and SNAP minimizes clients’ confusion when information is requested for both programs and provides additional time to collect and submit verifications. It also streamlines case processing for state agencies with integrated eligibility systems and allows extra time for administrative processes, including mail delivery. Such efficiencies can reduce churn and improve the client experience. When using this flexibility, state agencies must still provide eligible households an opportunity to participate within a timely manner following the application date. 2
As state agencies continue to modernize and integrate programs using system and technology improvements, FNS encourages the exploration of options to streamline customer service and improve program access, consistent with the goals outlined in Executive Order: Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government.
State agencies should contact their respective regional office representatives for assistance or with any questions.
Moira Johnston
Acting Director
Program Development Division