WAG 05-09-01: SNAP Household

 PM 05-09-01

revised manual textSNAP Household

  • If the resident of the shelter is included as a member of the household containing the abuser, the resident can apply for and receive SNAP benefits as a separate household if all other eligibility criteria are met. Benefits are prorated from the date of application. Do not deny or discontinue benefits to the resident because the person and their children have not been removed from the former household timely
  • Do not consider the income, resources and expenses of the former household. Jointly held resources are considered exempt if accessibility also requires the consent of the abuser.
  • If the head of household moves into a shelter, remove all the other members from the SNAP case, except any children that reside with the head-of-household in the shelter. Benefits may continue to be issued to the household's existing Link account, if the head-of household has possession of the Link card then benefits can be accessed. If the head of household does not have the Link card, issue a new card.
  • If a member other than the head of household resides in the shelter, remove the member and anyone else that moved with the member from the SNAP case. Take a new SNAP application for the member(s) residing in the shelter. When the case is approved, issue a new Link card to the applicant.  
  • Take prompt action to ensure that the former SNAP household's case reflects the change in the household composition and any other applicable change that affect the benefit amount. Send Notice of Decision (IL444-0360) if benefits are reduced, or canceled. The location and all other case information about the sheltered individual must remain confidential. Do not verbally release or include in any notices the location or case information of the person and their children.
  • If the former household receives benefits for the person(s) in the shelter for more than one-month, initiate the claims against the former household for any duplicate benefits which it received because the residents were not removed timely.