Policy Memo
06/22/2022
Summary
- Due to Claims Administration challenges as a result of responding to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has provided guidance to exercise regulatory flexibilities to terminate and write-off SNAP claims. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will stop collection activity of SNAP overpayments already established during the COVID-19 PHE with an overpayment period beginning March 2020 through June 2022.
- This action does not include cases with Suspected Intentional Program Violations (SIPV), see PM 23-02-02-a, and cases with an existing overpayment which began prior to the March 2020 COVID-19 PHE as those cases will remain in collection status.
- Bureau of Collections (BOC) will continue to process SNAP overpayment claims outside of the authorized timeframe or due to an SIPV.
- FNS policy continues to require the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) refer all over issuances found as the result of a Quality Control Review to BOC, regardless of the size of the overpayment.
Existing SNAP Overpayments During the COVID-19 PHE
Due to Claims Administration challenges as a result of responding to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has provided guidance to exercise regulatory flexibilities to terminate and write-off SNAP claims. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will stop collection activity of SNAP overpayments already established during the COVID-19 PHE with an overpayment period beginning March 2020 through June 2022.
Bureau of Collections
Bureau of Collections (BOC) will continue to process SNAP overpayment claims outside of the authorized timeframe or due to an SIPV, see PM 23-02-02-a. SNAP cases with an SIPV do not qualify for this flexibility and will continue to be processed accordingly.
Please note that approval from FNS must be received prior to BOC implementing such flexibilities.
Example: Mr. B had an Inadvertent SNAP Overpayment that was already established for 1/2020 through 5/2020. The overpayment will continue in collection.
FCRC Action
FNS policy continues to require the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) refer all over issuances found as the result of a Quality Control Review to the Bureau of Collections, regardless of the size of the overpayment. For questions and concerns, staff should refer customers to BOC by calling 1 (800) 457-6273.
Client Notice
No client notice will be sent to customers. FCRC staff are encouraged to refer customers to BOC for overpayment inquiries.
[signed copy on file]
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
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