133.09 Certification Periods (FSM)

SR 18-24 Dated 02/18

Previous Policy

The length of Food Stamp certification periods is based on household circumstances, as noted under the headings below:

1 month

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Imminent changes are expected.

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One or more individuals are subject to lockout or are on strike.

Up to 4 months

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Expenses exceed household income.

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Households containing a potential wage earner.

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Households indicating the clear potential for fluctuating circumstances.

A minimum of 4 months

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Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) households.

Up to 6 months

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Households receiving Food Stamps only.

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Receiving unemployment compensation benefits.

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Receiving earned income.

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Jointly receiving Food Stamps and adult category financial or medical assistance, including QMB, SLMB, SLMB135, or QDWI.

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Jointly receiving Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF) or FANF-related medical assistance, including In and Out, and Food Stamps.

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Little likelihood of changes in income and household circumstances.

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Households containing one or more ABAWD members only when the initial 4-month certification period indicates a longer certification period is warranted.

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Provided information which resulted in incorrect benefits.

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Granted separate household status because an individual with parental control of a minor child lives with a parent or sibling.

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Self-employed households with one or more individuals with unstable circumstances.

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Initial 4-month certification period indicates a longer certification period is warranted.

Up to 12 months

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Very stable income and all individuals are unemployable.

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Very stable income and all individuals are elderly.

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Very stable circumstances and the only source of income is from self-employment.