Introduction

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly known as the Food Stamp Program was established to aid in ending hunger and improve nutrition and health. SNAP benefits assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet and provides crucial support to needy households.

 

Congress passed the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide eligible Having met the qualifications to receive a SNAP benefit by meeting the specified nonfinancial and financial requirements of eligibility. households an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their food budget.

 

SNAP enables eligible households to purchase food with the use of SNAP benefits issued each month in their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account. The amount of the allotment The total value of SNAP benefits a household is authorized to receive. a household People who buy and prepare food together. Spouses, parents, and children who live together are usually counted as the same household. receives is determined by income, allowable expenses, and the household size.

 

Participating households may purchase food with their North Dakota EBT card A North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services debit card issued to access SNAP benefits from EBT accounts. at food retailers authorized to accept them by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Only eligible foods or food products intended for home consumption and seeds and plants for a home garden may be purchased with SNAP benefits. Alcoholic beverages, household products, cigarettes, hot foods ready to eat, and pet food cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. A limited number of participants who meet specific eligibility and residence criteria may use their SNAP benefits to buy prepared meals e.g., authorized meal delivery service, authorized communal dining facility for elderly or SSI households, etc.

 

SNAP is administered by cooperation between Federal and State governments. The State of North Dakota is responsible for the certification of applicants and issuance An issued SNAP benefit. of benefits. The Federal government provides guidelines for State operations and is responsible for authorization A system-initiated approval which generates a benefit. and supervision of participating retailers, institutions, and meal delivery services.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must fulfill the following requirements and responsibilities in the operation of SNAP:

 

Certify applicant An individual who submits an application for assistance under the SNAP program. households.

1. Issue, control, and account for SNAP benefits.

2. Develop, conduct, and evaluate training.

3. Develop and maintain complaint procedures.

4. Conduct performance-reporting reviews.

5. Submit accurate and timely financial and program reports as required by USDA-FNS.

    

The policies and procedures throughout this manual are intended to be the guide for SNAP certification and are written within the limits imposed by the Food and Nutrition Act and Regulations.

 

If eligibility workers encounter a problem in a specific case that is felt to be outside the ordinary policy and procedure, the problem should be resolved through proper channels. Eligibility workers must first consult their Leads and Supervisors. If still unable to resolve, submit a ServiceNow ticket.