09/13/2022
Policy Memo
Summary
- Due to ongoing challenges during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to exercise regulatory flexibilities to terminate and write-off SNAP overpayment claims beginning March 2020 until the end of the COVID-19 PHE.
- As a reminder, this action does not include cases with Suspected Intentional Program Violations (SIPV), Intentional Program Violation (IPV), and cases with an existing overpayment which began prior to the March 2020 COVID-19 PHE, as those cases will remain in collection status. See PM 23-02-02-a for more information on IPV/SIPV cases.
- Bureau of Collections (BOC) will continue to process SNAP overpayment claims outside of the authorized timeframe or due to an IPV/SIPV.
- FNS policy continues to require the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) to refer all over issuances found as the result of a Quality Control Review to BOC, regardless of the size of the overpayment.
- BOC will notify and advise clients regarding overpayments on their case.
Extension of Existing SNAP Overpayments During the COVID-19 PHE
Due to the ongoing challenges during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved an extension to exercise regulatory flexibilities to terminate and write-off SNAP overpayment claims. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will continue to stop collection activity already established during the COVID-19 PHE with an overpayment period beginning March 2020 until the end of the COVID-19 PHE.
Bureau of Collections and IPV/SIPV Cases
Cases with IPV/SIPV will remain in collection status. BOC will continue to process SNAP overpayment claims outside of the authorized timeframe or due to an IPV/SIPV. Please review PM 23-02-02-a for policy and guidance on IPV/SIPV cases. SNAP cases with an IPV/SIPV do not qualify for this flexibility and will continue to be processed accordingly.
Note: Approval from FNS must be received prior to BOC implementing such flexibilities.
FCRC Action
FNS policy continues to require the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) to 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
BOC will notify and advise clients regarding overpayments on their case. 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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