133 LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY (FSM)

_____________________________________________________________

SNAP eligibility is determined for a specific period of time, called the certification period. At the end of the certification period, entitlement to SNAP benefits ends.

When the certification period ends, the individual must reapply, be interviewed if required, and be determined eligible to receive SNAP benefits again.

The longest allowable certification period is 12 months. At initial application, the month of application is the first month of the certification period even if eligibility is determined in a subsequent month.

For recertification, the certification period begins with the month following the last month of the previous certification period.

Assign the longest certification period possible based on the predictability of the household’s circumstances.

Exceptions:

•       Assign an extra month of certification to households eligible for a certification period of 1 to 3 months but not certified until after the 15th day of the application month.

•       If the household contains an individual required to prove alien status, and the ten-day period to provide proof ends after the 30th day from the date of application, assign a certification period that ends in the month the ten-day period ends.

•       Assign a minimum 4-month certification period to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

References: He-W 746.02; RSA 161:4-a, IV; 7 CFR 273.10(f); 7 CFR 273.12(a)(5) 273.2(f)(1)(ii)Ic); ; 7 USC 2012(f); FNS waiver 00005762