Policy Memo (362.18 KB)
| DATE: | April 4, 2013 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Guidance Questions and Answers - FY 2012 Negative Review Procedures |
| TO: | All Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
This memorandum addresses certain questions arising from Food and Nutrition Services' (FNS) publication of new negative action quality control procedures. On June 11, 2010, FNS published in final the rule entitled "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of PL 107-171". The rules affecting negative action quality control reviews were to be implemented effective Oct. 1, 2011.
Access to SNAP and better customer service for SNAP recipients motivated the change to the regulations in reviewing negative actions. An improperly executed negative action can result in misinformation to the household, which may block access to the SNAP program for the household. Untimely negative actions result in poor customer service. Correct negative actions result in enhanced customer services since the household receives accurate, timely and easily understood information. This results in improvements in the quality and efficiency of operations and decreases barriers to participation. FNS now reviews negative actions for their accuracy, understandability, and completeness including informing a household of all rights and responsibilities regarding the decision. Negative action reviews and the resulting findings will assist state agencies in identifying any problem areas and then implementing any improvements necessary to reach the goals of the SNAP program. As with any new rule, questions arose regarding the accuracy of the Quality Control (QC) review process. In some cases clarification of the certification policy rules were necessary to accurately report the findings for the QC Review.
This is the first in a series of releases of those questions and the resulting answers. This release deals with questions regarding the interview and accuracy of the household address. As finalization of the process is completed, subsequent questions and answers will be released. Both the Program Accountability and Administration Division, QC Branch and Program Development Division, Certification Policy Branch have reviewed and approved the answers to these questions.
| Ronald Ward Director Program Accountability and Administration Division |
Lizbeth Silbermann Director Program Development Division |