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SUPPLEMENTALNUTRITIONASSISTANCEPROGRAM(SNAP)SOURCE BOOKNew York State Office ofTemporary and Disability AssistanceCenter for Employment and Economic SupportsChapters 1-4, 8, 10, 16-17 and 18of the SNAP Source Book have been updated.As other sections are updated, we will notify district staff.For SNAP questions please contact the SNAP Bureauat 1-800-343-8859, extension 3-1469.
FSSBTABLE OF CONTENTS7/20/11TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION: 1 Foreword/NoticeSECTION 2: Food Stamp ProgramA. General IntroductionB. Overview of the Foot Stamp ProgramC. Acronym/Terminology ListingSECTION 3: Responsibility of LDSSA. General IntroductionB. PersonnelC. Certification ResponsibilitiesD. InformationE. RecordsF. Securing, Control & Processing of CBICs, PINS, or State Approved Local Equivalents& State Approved Local District Notice of Change FormG. Disaster/Emergency PreparednessSECTION 4: Application ProcessingA. DefinitionsB. Right to ApplyC. Authorized RepresentativeD. Date of ApplicationE. Applicant InterviewF. Required Use of State-Prescribed Application Form(s)G. Required Application InformationH. Delays In ProcessingI. Action on Delays Caused By The HouseholdJ. Action on Delays Caused By The Local DistrictK. Application For Expedited Processing ServiceL. Mixed Households & ‘Pure’ SSI HouseholdsM. SSI/Food Stamps Joint Application Processing (Joint Processing Procedures)SECTION 5: Initial Eligibility DeterminationHousehold ConceptSpecial Household DefinitionNon-Households MembersIneligible IndividualsBoardersElderly/Disabled MembersHousehold TypesHead of HouseholdNon-Financial Eligibility StandardsNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability AssistanceToC - 1
FSSBTABLE OF CONTENTS7/20/11ResidencyCitizenship and Alien StatusStudentsEmployment RegistrationVoluntary Employment QuitSocial Security NumbersValidation of Social Security NumberTransfer of ResourcesHousehold CooperationFinancial Eligibility StandardsResourcesInstitutionsLocal District ResponsibilityInstitutional ResponsibilityVerificationQuestionable InformationTypes of VerificationExpeditedVerification For Residents Of Group Living ArrangementsStrikersReporting ChangesQualifications For Expedited ServiceIdentification Cards and PinsFront End Detection SystemSECTION 6: Continuing EligibilityRecertificationChanges During the Recertification PeriodLocal District ActionPublic Assistance HouseholdsMixed HouseholdsReconstituted HouseholdsMass ChangesVerification At RecertificationReduction/Termination Of Benefits Of Households Containing Ineligible/DisqualifiedIndividualsDisqualification for Intentional Program ViolationDefinitionsResponsibilitiesReferral To Prosecuting AuthoritiesCommencement Of The Administrative Disqualification Hearing ProcessNotification Of Administrative Disqualification HearingAdministrative Disqualification HearingsWaiver Of An Administrative Disqualification HearingNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability AssistanceToC - 2
FSSBTABLE OF CONTENTS7/20/11PenaltiesNotice of DisqualificationIneligible AlienDisqualification For Failure To Provide Or Apply For a Social Security NumberOther DisqualificationsSECTION 7: Discontinuing EligibilitySECTION 8: Notice of Agency DecisionClient Notices System (CNSA. DefinitionsB. Adequate NoticeC. Action Taken NoticeD. Adverse Action NoticeE. Expiration NoticeF. Exemptions From Adverse Action NoticeG. Mass ChangesH. Factors Common To All NoticesI. Combined Manual NoticesJ. Food Stamp Only NoticesK. ABEL Budget NarrativesSECTION 9: Recipient / Applicant RightsRight To PrivacyComplaint ProceduresFAIR HEARINGSRIGHT TO A FAIR HEARINGPRIORITY HEARINGSAPPELLANT RIGHTSREQUESTSAID CONTINUINGEXAMINATION OF CASE RECORDAUTHORIZATION REPRESENTATIVELOCAL DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIESDEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIESDECISION AND COMPLIANCEAGENCY CONFERENCESRIGHT TO USE FOOD STAMPS TO PURCHASE DELIVERED MEALSRIGHT TO USE FOOD STAMPS AT COMMUNAL DININGFOOD STAMP RESTAURANT MEALS PROGRAM FOR THE ELDERLY,DISABLED & HOMELESSHOMELESS MEAL PROVIDER PROGRAMSECTION 10: Employment/Work RequirementsNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability AssistanceToC - 3
FSSBTABLE OF CONTENTS7/20/11SECTION 11: Budgetary MethodDetermining Income Eligibility and Benefit LevelsBudgeting Residents of FacilitiesTransitional Housing Benefits for Homeless and Domestic Violence Shelter ResidentsBudgeting Essential Person (EPS)Determining DeductionsProration cements Of FoodRestoration Of Lost BenefitsSECTION 12: Standards and DeductionsA. Income Eligibility StandardsB. THRIFTY FOOD PLANC. INCOME DEDUCTIONSD. MEDICAL DEDUCTIONSE.DISALLOWED EXPENSESF. DEPENDENT CARE DEDUCTIONSG. SHELTER DEDUCTIONSH. PAYMENTS OF CHILD SUPPORTI. SIX MONTH REPORTINGJ. SYSTEM IMPLICATIONS K. STANDARD ALLOWANCES FOR HEATING/COOLING, UTILITIESAND TELEPHONEL. TELEPHONE DISCOUNT: THE LIFE LINE PROGRAMSECTION 13: Determining IncomeDefinitionEARNED INCOMEUNEARNED INCOMEINCOME OF INELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALSSPONSORED ALIENS AND INCOME DEEMINGNON-HOUSEHOLD INDIVIDUALSINCOME EXCLUSIONSSelf-Employment Other Than FarmingSELF-EMPLOYMENT FARMINGBOARDERSEDUCATIONAL INCOMEANTICIPATED INCOMEINCOME ONLY IN MONTH RECEIVEDINCOME AVERAGINGSECTION 14: Rules for Reporting ChangesSix Month Reporting RulesNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability AssistanceToC - 4
FSSBTABLE OF CONTENTS7/20/11Six Month Reporting Systems ImplicationsSECTION 15: Certification Periods / Issuing BenefitsCertification PeriodsIssuing BenefitsElectronic Benefit TransferSECTION 16: Claims Against HouseholdsA. Responsibility for Recovering OverpaymentsB. DefinitionsC. Discrepant Information AssessmentD. Tracking Claim EstablishmentE. Claim CalculationF. Collecting the Claim—Repayment MethodsG. Establishing The ClaimH. Compromising Claim AmountsI. Terminating ClaimsJ. NoticesK. DocumentationL. Systems ImplicationsSECTION 17: ResourcesA. DescriptionB. Resource LimitsC. Excluded ResourcesD. Licensed VehiclesE. Transfer Of ResourcesF. Deeming Of A Sponsor’s ResourcesSECTION 18: Food Stamp Record Retention/DocumentationA. IntroductionB. PurposeC. Documentation of RecordsSECTION 19: NYSNIPSECTION 20: GlossaryA-JL-ZNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability AssistanceToC - 5
SNAPSB3/18/11SECTION 1 - FORWARD/NOTICESECTION 1: FORWARD/NOTICEFORWARDThe material contained in this manual provides assistance to local staff by introducing the information necessary forthe proper determination of eligibility and by serving as an instructional guide for workers.This manual is the product of many individuals' work. It is the hope of all those involved in preparing theSupplemental Nutrition Program Source Book that you, the reader, will find it useful.NOTICEThe Supplemental Nutrition Program Source Book is intended simply to express Department policies andregulations which have been formulated in Book 18, The Official Compilation, Rules and Regulations of the State ofNew York. The final authority on Department Regulations is Book 18.NOTE: In the event there is a conflict between the Regulations in Book 18 and the Material in theSupplemental Nutrition Program Source Book, users should contact either the Supplemental NutritionProgram Source Book contact person or the Center for Employment and Economic Supports SupplementalNutrition Program Bureau staff.New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance1-1
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMA. General IntroductionSECTION 2: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMA. General IntroductionPOLICYThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Source Book (SNAPSB) will provide local districts withguidelines to determine eligibility and benefit levels for households and to operate local programs.These include application and notice requirements, and budgeting and resource procedures basic to adetermination of financial eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.At the end of every subject, the reader will find at the bottom of the page, three possible headings orcolumns - "References," "Related Items," and “TA Source Book.” References will cite the StateRegulations; Related Items will cite other relevant sources; the TASB will cite the appropriate TASBSection(s). To facilitate further access to information, the reader will find a master Table of Contentsin the front of the book.Information in the SNAPSB will be revised and updated as needed in order to maintain the continuedvalidity of the Source Book. Notification of the most recent updates will be found in Section 1 in theNotices area.Administrative Directives, Regulations, General Information System (GIS) and Automated Budgetingand Eligibility Logic (ABEL) Transmittals will provide necessary notification of changes affectingTemporary Assistance staff. Wherever a conflict arises between the SNAPSB and Regulations, SocialServices Law, Administrative Directives, GIS or an ABEL Transmittal, local district staff should contactthe Center for Employment and Economic Supports, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramBureau.New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-1
SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMB. Overview of the Food Stamp ProgramSNAPSB6/9/11B. Overview of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramPURPOSEThe purpose of the federally funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerlyknown in New York State as the Food Stamp Program, is to reduce hunger and malnutrition bysupplementing the food purchasing of eligible low income individuals.LEGAL BASISThe authority to operate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is based on both Federaland State Laws and Regulations.1.Federal LawUnder the Food Stamp Act of 1977, the Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and theFood, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Within USDA, the Food andNutrition Service (FNS) has program responsibilities.2.Federal Regulations7 CFR Sections 172 through 282 govern the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.3.State LawUnder Sections 95 and 29 of the Social Services Law, the New York State Office of Temporary andDisability Assistance (NYS OTDA) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.a.Under Section 95, NYS OTDA can:(1) Develop the required State plans to utilize the Federal Food Stamp Act of 1977, asamended,(2) Accept a designation which makes supplemental nutrition assistance benefits availableto eligible persons,(3) Delegate or assign appropriate functions to other State departments and agencies withthe approval of the Governor,b.4.Under Section 29, NYS OTDA, with the approval of the Governor, can accept a designationfrom, and act as the agent of the duly authorized Federal Agency in the administration ofrelief and related activities affecting the welfare of individuals and communities, and thedisbursement or expenditure of Federal funds and commodities.State RegulationsPart 387 governs the State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-2
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingC. ACRONYM/TERMINOLOGY LISTING-AAABDAid to Aged, Blind and DisabledABAWDAble Bodied Adult Without DependentsABEAdult Basic EducationABELAutomated Budgeting and Eligibility LogicACEActive Corps of ExecutivesACHIEVEAnother Change Initiative for Education, Vocation or EmploymentACTUALActual Shelter CostA/DAged/DisabledADAAmerican’s with Disabilities ActADCAid to Dependent ChildrenADMAdministrative Directive (NYS issued directive)AEAdministrative ErrorAFAAnticipated Future ActionAFISAutomated Finger Imaging SystemAIDSAcquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeALEAdult Literacy EducationAPAbsent ParentAPP-TADApplication Turnaround DocumentAPP-REGApplication RegistrationAPP-TADApplication Turn Around Document (DSS-3636)A/RApplicant/RecipientASAWAdditional Special Agricultural WorkerAVEAdolescent Vocational Exploration ProgramNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-3
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology Listing-BBASICBasic or Personal AllowanceBEDSBack End Detection SystemBCISBureau of Citizen and Immigration Services – Formerly INSBDDBureau of Disability Determinations (NYC)BEDSBack End Detection SystemBENDEXBeneficiary Data ExchangeBICSBenefit Issuance and Control SystemBOCESBoards of Cooperative Educational ServicesBRIABureau of Refugee and Immigration Affairs-CCANumber in CaseCAACommunity Action AgencyCAMSCash Management SubsystemCAPChild Assistance ProgramCASECase TypeCASE NOCase NumberCBICCommon Benefit Identification CardCBOCommunity Based OrganizationCBVHCommission for the Blind and Visually HandicappedCCBGChild Care Block GrantCEOSCComprehensive Employment Opportunity Support CenterCFRCode of Federal RegulationsCHEPCuban/Haitian Entrant ProgramCINClient Identification NumberCNSClient Notices SystemCOBClose of BusinessNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-4
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingCOLACost of Living AdjustmentCSEUChild Support Enforcement UnitCSMSChild Support Management SystemC/THPChild/Teen Health PlanCWEPCommunity Work Experience Program-DD/ADrug/AlcoholDAAADivision of Alcoholism and Alcohol AbuseDARDormant Account ReviewDCADisqualification Consent AgreementDDDDivision of Disability DeterminationsDEFDeficitDEFRADeficit Reduction Act the Department New York State Department ofSocial ServicesDOHDepartment of HealthDMVDepartment of Motor VehiclesDPADeferred Payment AgreementDSSDepartment of Social ServicesDVLDomestic Violence Liaison-EEAAEmergency Assistance for AdultsEAFEmergency Assistance to FamiliesEAPPEmployment Alternatives Partnership ProgramEBICSElectronic Benefits Issuance Control SystemEBTElectronic Benefit TransferEDCEstimated Date of Confinement (date of delivery of newborn)New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-5
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingEHPEnriched Housing ProgramEHREmergency Home ReliefEITCEarned Income Tax CreditEIDEarned Income DisregardEPEssential PersonERTEmployment Readiness TrainingESEmployment SearchESLEnglish-as-a-Second LanguageESNAEmergency Safety Net AssistanceEWEligibility Worker-FFAFamily AssistanceFAPFood Assistance ProgramFDCFamily Day CareFEDSFront End Detection SystemFEPSFamily Eviction Preventive SupplementFFRFace-to-Face RecertificationFFYFederal Fiscal YearFICAFederal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security) IndicatorFNPFederal Non-ParticipationFNSFood and Nutrition Service (USDA)FPFederal ParticipationFSFood StampsFSSFamily Self-Sufficiency Program-GGAGeneral AssistanceNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-6
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingGAGDGrants of Assistance for Guide DogsGEDGeneral Educational DevelopmentGFDCGroup Family Day CareGISGeneral Information SystemGITGross Income Test-HHAPHousing Assistance PaymentHEAHome Energy AllowanceHEAPHome Energy Assistance ProgramHEFPAHome Energy Fair Practices ActHHHouseholdHHSU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesHIVHuman Immunodeficiency VirusHMOHealth Maintenance OrganizationHRHome ReliefHRANYC Human Resources AdministrationHSPHousing Supplement ProgramHUDHousing and Urban DevelopmentIARInterim Assistance ReimbursementIDAIndividual Development AccountIHEInadvertent Household Error (unintentional client error)INFInformational LetterINSImmigration and Naturalization ServiceIPVIntentional Program ViolationIRAPIndochinese Refugee Assistance Program-I-New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-7
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingIRCAImmigration Reform and Control Act of 1986IRSInternal Revenue ServiceIV-DTitle IV-D Amendment to the Social Security Act (CSE)-JJ/OJob Opportunity ProgramJOBSJob Opportunities and Basic Skills Training ProgramJOSJob Opportunity Specialist (NYC)JTPAJob Training Partnership ActJTPCJob Training Partnership Council-LLCMLocal Commissioners MemorandumLDSSLocal Department of Social ServicesLEPLimited English ProficiencyLRRLegally Responsible RelativeLPRLawful Permanent Resident (Alien Status)LTRLawful Temporary Resident-MMAMedical AssistanceMARGMedical Assistance Reference GuideMOEMaintenance of EffortMRB/AMass Rebudgeting/ReauthorizationMSSMandatory State Supplement-NNCICNational Crime Information CenterNCSTANational and Community Services and Trust Act of 1993New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-8
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingNDRNon-dependent RelativeNPANon-Public AssistanceNTA-FSNon-Temporary Assistance Food StampsNYCNew York CityNYCRRNew York Codes of Rules and RegulationsNYSNew York StateNYSNIPNew York State Nutrition Improvement Project-OOASASOffice of Alcohol and Substance AbuseOASDIOld-Age, Survivors and Disability InsuranceOBRAOmnibus Budget Reconciliation ActOCFSOffice of Children and Family ServicesOHIPOffice of Health Insurance ProgramsOJTOn the Job TrainingOMHOffice of Mental HealthOMRDDOffice of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities (now knownas OPWDD, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities)OOEOrder of ExclusionOPWDDOffice for People with Developmental DisabilitiesOTDAOffice of Temporary and Disability AssistanceOVESIDOffice of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals withDisabilities-PPACEPublic Assistance Comprehensive EmploymentPARISPublic Assistance Reporting Information SystemNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-9
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingPAVEProgressive Adolescent Vocational Exploration ProgramPCAPPrenatal Care Assistance ProgramPHAPublic Housing AuthorityPICPrivate Industry CouncilPINPersonal Identification NumberPIOPublic Information OfficePNAPersonal Needs AllowancePROWRAPersonal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation ActPRUCOLPermanently Residing in the United States Under Color of LawPSCPublic Service CommissionPWAPublic Works AdministrationPWPPublic Work Project-RRAPRefugee Assistance ProgramRAWReplenishment Agricultural WorkerRFIResource File IntegrationRINRecipient Identification Number (NYC)RSDIRetirement Survivors Disability Insurance-SSAVESystematic Alien Verification for EntitlementsSAWSpecial Agricultural WorkerSCUSupport Collection UnitSDNHState Directory of New Hires from NYS Tax and FinanceSDXState Data ExchangeSCOREServices Corps of Retired ExecutivesSEDState Education DepartmentNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-10
SNAPSB6/9/11SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingSEMI-TASemi-Monthly Cash Grant AmountsSFYState Fiscal YearSHEASupplemental Home Energy AllowanceSHELTShelterSLIAGState Legalization Impact Assistance GrantsSNASafety Net AssistanceSNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAPSBSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Source BookSSASocial Security AdministrationSSDBSocial Security Disability BenefitsSSISupplemental Security IncomeSSLSocial Services LawSSNSocial Security NumberSSPNAState Supplemental Personal Needs AllowanceSWESocial Welfare ExaminerSUAStandard Utility AllowanceSURSurplus-TTATemporary AssistanceTANFTemporary Assistance for Needy FamiliesTASATeenage Services ActTASBTemporary Assistance Source BookTEAPTraining and Employment Assistance ProgramTPHIThird Party Health InsuranceTPRThird Party ResourceTROTemporary Restraining OrderNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-11
SNAPSB6/9/11TSP (NYS)SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMC. Acronym/Terminology ListingOffice of Transitional Supports and Policy-UUIBUnemployment Insurance BenefitsUSCISUnited States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesUSDAUnited States Department of Agriculture-VVAVeterans’ AdministrationVESIDVocational Educational Services for Individuals with DisabilitiesVISTAVolunteers In Service To America-WWICWomen, Infants and ChildrenWMSWelfare Management SystemWRAWelfare Reform Act (NYS/1997)WRMWorker's Reference ManualWRSWage Reporting System from NYS Tax and FinanceWSPWork Supplementation ProgramWTWWelfare to Work-YYIPYouth Internship ProgramYOPYouth Opportunity ProgramYWSYouth Work Skills ProgramNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance2-12
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSA. General Introduction3/9/11SECTION 3: RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSA. General IntroductionPOLICYIn order to assist needy families and individuals to obtain Supplemental Nutrition AssistanceBenefits, each local district shall fulfill its responsibilities to administer the SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program in accordance with applicable releases of the New York State Officeof Temporary & Disability Assistance, including but not limited to the New York StateSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Source Book. In addition to the responsibilities listedin this Section, local districts shall perform other appropriate functions in accordance with stateand federal requirements.OPERATING GUIDELINESLocal districts shall operate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in accordance withthe policies and procedures provided to them by the New York State Office of Temporary &Disability Assistance. Accordingly local districts shall submit to NYS OTDA, for approval, allrequests for waiver from established policy and all locally developed policy manuals, proceduralguides or forms which are intended to be the equivalent of documents which have beenprovided by NYS OTDA. Such requests shall be submitted in accordance with DepartmentRegulation 300.6.Reference:387.2Related Item:300.6New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance3-1
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSB. Personnel3/9/11B. PersonnelPOLICYThe local district shall undertake the certification of applicant households in accordance with thepersonnel standards used by the Department in the certification of applicants for benefits under thefederally aided public assistance programs.1. Personnel Requirementsa. Merit Personnel - Certification personnel must meet the current New York State Merit Systemstandards. Only merit employees can conduct the application interview. Additionally, access topermanent CBIC and temporary vault cards, and other issuance documents shall be denied to allpersons except authorized employees of OTDA, local districts, and the Federal agency involved inthe administration of the program.NOTE: Volunteers must not conduct the application interview or certify supplemental nutritionassistance program applicants. Volunteers may engage in activities such as outreach,prescreening, assisting applicants to complete the application, and securing neededverification. A volunteer may officially represent households whose members areunable to go to the certification office.NOTE: Individuals, organizations, and facilities involved in a strike or lockout cannot be used inthe certification process except to verify the applicant’s information.b. Staffing Standards - To meet the timeliness standards set forth in this manual, local districts mustemploy sufficient staff to certify accurately and issue benefits to eligible households and to processfair hearing requests within the appropriate timeliness standards.c. Bilingual Requirements – Local districts, including those with a seasonal influx of single-languageminority households, must provide sufficient bilingual program information and certificationmaterials, and staff or interpreters to meet the needs of single-language minority households.2. TrainingWith the assistance of the OTDA training coordinator, the local districts must develop a continuingcomprehensive training program for all personnel engaged in certification, program informationalactivities, or prescreening activities. The local districts must designate training coordinators to:a. Implement State training materials and techniquesb. Supplement State training programs with sessions designed for local districts, andcommunity partners, if appropriatec. Conduct and/or supervise training sessionsd. Assure that appropriate personnel receive trainingNew York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance3-2
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSB. Personnel3/9/11The following "Training Table" provides guidelines to follow in training staff.SESSIONS COVERINGEligibility criteria, Certificationprocedures, household rightsand responsibilities, other dutiesrelated to householdcertificationPERSONS TO BE TRAINEDEligibility Workers, newemployees responsible forcertifyingTIME STANDARDSPrior to initial assumption ofduties. Periodically, based onpolicy changes, programdeficiencies, USDA audits,district management selfassessments, or individualperformance deficiencies orindividual performancePolicy/procedures changedbased on court action orrevisions to legislation andregulationsFormal certification trainingconducted statewide, citywide,or regionallyAll affected personnel,individuals specified by thecourt, law or directivesWithin 30 days or as specifiedCertification personnel, thepublic (up to 5% of totalattendance or 5 persons,whichever is smaller, must beallowed)Volunteers, other pre-screeners,Community Based OrganizationsHearing Officers, performancereporting system reviewersAs NeededProgram information prescreening techniquesProgram regulations andhearing proceduresNOTE:As NeededPrior to initial assumption ofduties. Periodically, as neededbased on policy changes,program deficiencies, USDAaudits,district management selfassessments or individualperformanceAlthough public attendance is not required for certification training groups of lessthan 20 persons, the public may be invited to any training sessions conducted.Reference: 387.2New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance3-3
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSC. Certification Responsibilities3/9/11C. Certification ResponsibilitiesPOLICYEach local district shall:1.Certify eligible families and individualsApprove and issue benefits or deny applications for TA and NTA applicants within 30 days ofreceipt of an identifiable application or within five calendar days if it is an identifiableapplication eligible for expedited processing. An identifiable application is one whichcontains a legible name and address of the applicant or authorized representative; and asignature.For certification of households which are TA/SNAP see SNAPSB Section 42. Insure that SNAP provided to any eligible household shall not be considered as income orresources for any purpose under the Social Security Act of 1935 as amended, or under anyother Federal or State laws including, but not limited, to laws relating to taxation, welfare, andTA programs.3. Not terminate or reduce a TA grant, or deny application for TA or care or otherwise adverselyaffect a family's or an individual's eligibility for TA or care, on the grounds that the recipient orapplicant is receiving or is eligible to receive SNAP benefits, or fails to apply for or to utilizeSNAP benefits.4. During an emergency or disaster declared by USDA, certify households in accordance withregulations, policies and procedures of the Department and USDA/FNS.5. Undertake the timely and accurate issuance of benefits to certified households. Householdscomprised of elderly or disabled members, or those who would face an undue hardship inreaching a local office to complete a face-to-face interview; those who are qualified toparticipate in the Working Families Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Initiative, andhouseholds which do not reside in a permanent dwelling or at a fixed mailing address, will begiven assistance in obtaining their benefits. Districts shall offer to conduct interviews andother contacts electronically, or by telephone when appropriate.6. Screen all applications to determine if such application qualifies for expedited SNAPprocessing, and complete the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ExpeditedProcessing Screening sheet (LDSS-3938) as a record of the agency disposition.7. Screen all applications to determine if such application qualifies for Working FamiliesSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Initiative (WFSNAPI) using the WFSNAPI screeningsheet (LDSS-4921) or approved local equivalent process to see if the applicant householdpresumptively qualifies to participate in the WFSNAPI.8. Include the “Helping Hands” brochure in each SNAP application packet. Households that havea gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty limit that receive the Helping Handsbrochure will have received a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/Maintenanceof Effort (MOE)-funded service that confers categorical eligibility for the SNAP for a period ofone year.New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance3-4
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSC. Certification 23AttachmentRelated Item: Certification (SNAPSB)New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance3-5
SNAPSBSECTION 3 RESPONSIBILITY OF LDSSD. Information3/9/11D. InformationPOLICYEach local district shall:1. Inform all SNAP applicants and recipients of their program rights and responsibilities includingthe use of printed materials in languages other than English where required. Clientinformational books LDSS-4148A, LDSS-4148B, LDSS-4148C, LDSS-4148A(S), LDSS-4148B(S) andLDSS-4148C(S), fulfill this requirement and the LDSS-4826A, which accompanies theLDSS-4826, also fulfills th
This manual is the product of many individuals' work. It is the hope of all those involved in preparing the Supplemental Nutrition Program Source Book that you, the reader, will find it useful. . AFA Anticipated Future Action AFIS Automated Finger Imaging System AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ALE Adult Literacy Education AP Absent .
