161.05 Processing Recertifications (FSM)

_____________________________________________________________

To receive a full month’s benefit for the first month of a new certification period, the household must fully complete the SNAP recertification process.

The SNAP recertification process is complete when prior to the expiration of the current certification period, the individual has:

•       Completed an application for recertification;

•       Participated in an interview, if required; and

•       Provided all required verifications.

All 3 requirements listed above must be met for the recertification process to be complete and SNAP benefits to continue uninterrupted.

The department will require a face-to-face  (in-person, video or phone) interview with individuals who were eligible  online or mail-in recertification method, but only provided their name, address, and signature and failed to fully complete the online recertification Application, or submit a completed BFA Form 800R, Application for Continued Eligibility for Financial, Medical, Child Care, and SNAP Benefits.

If the case is not processed within one month of the appointment date, the Department will contact the individual to verify that no information has changed since the individual’s recertification appointment.

If the individual has not participated in a recertification interview or provided required verification(s) by the end of the certification period, the recertification is denied by the last day of the month is which the certification period ends, See Section 161.07, Termination at Recertification.

Benefits are prorated for the first month of the new certification period if the household completes the recertification process after the current certification period expires.

Exception: unless there was in delay or agency error in processing due to the department.

IMPORTANT: Expedited SNAP benefits should not build within the first 30 days following a recertification period when the household provided their recertification application before the end of the current certification period but failed to provide the required verifications.

Example: The household’s recertification period expires in September. On September 15th, the household submitted a recertification application but failed to submit all of the required verifications. The case auto closed on September 30; the last day of the certification period. On October 2, the household provided all required verifications to complete the recertification process. The case is not eligible for Expedited SNAP, benefits for October are prorated from October 2, benefits.

Exception: SNAP benefits are not closed or denied for households that are unable to obtain verifications and have contacted the Department on or before the last day of the month in which the current certification period.

References: He-W 766.01; He-W 766.02; RSA 161:4-a,IV; 7 CFR 273.14(b), (e) & (f)