MR #14.26: Increase in Asset Limit for SNAP Units Without a Qualifying Member

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10/08/14Summary:

  • Effective October 2014, Federal law provides for an increase in the asset limit from $2,000 to $2,250 for SNAP units with no qualifying members.
  • Most SNAP households are categorically eligible and assets are not used to determine their eligibility for benefits (PM 07-04-01).
  • Only apply the $2,250 asset limit to non-categorically eligible SNAP units with no qualifying member. A unit is not categorically eligible when a member is disqualified for an intentional program violation (IPV), or is sanctioned for failure to comply with a work provision (PM 05-07-00, PM 05-07-02)
  • The asset limit remains unchanged at $3,250 for non-categorically eligible SNAP units with a qualifying member.
  • All systems have been modified with the new $2,250 asset limit amount effective 10/1/14, including the Web SNAP calculator.

Effective October 2014, Federal law provides for an increase in the asset limit from $2,000 to $2,250 for SNAP units with no qualifying members.

When Should Assets be used for SNAP

  • Most SNAP units are categorically eligible and assets are not used or verified in determining eligibility for benefits ( PM 05-07-00, PM 07-04-01).
  • The new $2,250 asset limit only applies to non-categorically eligible SNAP units with no qualifying member.  A unit is not categorically eligible when a member is:
    • disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation (IPV); or
    • sanctioned for failure to comply with a work provision.
  • The asset limit for non-categorically qualifying member SNAP units remains unchanged at $3,250.

System Changes

The new asset limit of $2,250 is reflected in all systems effective October 1, 2014, including the Web SNAP calculator.

Revised Manual Pages

[signed copy on file]

Michelle R.B. Saddler

Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services