MR #10.07: Expansion of SNAP Categorical Eligibility

Summary:

Effective 04/12/10, most SNAP units are categorically eligible and their assets are not used in the determination of SNAP eligibility.
The term "Simplified Processing Units" (SPU) will no longer be used. The federal term "Categorically Eligible" will be used to identify households meeting the eligibility criteria.
SNAP asset codes 751-760 are obsolete. The SNAP asset codes will be centrally deleted on all cases.
When a nonqualifying member SNAP unit meets the maximum gross income test of 130% of FPL, they are categorically eligible and their assets are not used to determine eligibility.
When a qualifying member SNAP unit meets a maximum gross income test of 200% of FPL, they are categorically eligible and their assets are not used to determine eligibility.
The net monthly income of a categorically eligible SNAP unit is not compared to the net monthly income standard. Use the net monthly income amount only to determine the monthly benefit amount.
Qualifying member units whose gross monthly income exceeds 200% FPL must continue to meet the net income test and the $3000 asset limit.
SNAP units with a member disqualified for a Intentional Program Violation (IPV) or a work provision sanction are not categorically eligible. They must continue to meet the gross income test; the net income test and the asset limit.
A central conversion will occur on 4/12/10. Item 80 code 349 Util SUP By 9 under Persons will be changed to code 8 for categorically eligible SNAP units. SNAP cases with an Item 80 sanction code 241 or 242 and cases with a qualifying member whose income exceeds the 200% FPL will be coded with a 9.
Some of the system changes are not yet complete for this policy change. AIS will still allow entry of asset information for SNAP only cases, but if entered, the information will not be used in the determination of benefits (unless the case is not categorically eligible).Do not request verification of assets or deny benefits for cases that are categorically eligible.
System calculations in AIS and ACM are complete.
System changes for the Web Application and the SNAP Web calculator will be completed in the near future.