The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issued a new policy memo to local social service districts. Highlights include:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has approved New York’s request to continue certain SNAP waivers beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
In New York, SNAP COVID-19 interview adjustments are in effect through October 31, 2024. USDA has extended this waiver as states work to return to normal SNAP operations.
Interview Adjustments at Initial Application and Recertification
SNAP offices are not required to interview new SNAP applicant households that apply by October 31, 2024, or recertifying households whose recertification application is received by and whose last month of certification is on or before October 31, 2024, if the following conditions are met:
- The applicant’s identity has been verified, and
- All other mandatory information and verification have been provided and are valid:
- Identity
- Social Security Number
- Residency
- Gross non-exempt income (earned and unearned)
- Disability
- Immigration Status (also referred to as “Alien Status” by OTDA)
If either of these conditions are not met, then an interview will be required.
SNAP offices are directed to make every attempt to verify household circumstances through data matching and information currently present in the State and district systems.
SNAP offices will be required to interview the household if any of the information or verification submitted is unclear or cannot be verified through separate data matches.
SNAP offices have a choice in implementing these adjustments.
New Applications Eligible for Expedited Processing
SNAP applicants who apply before October 31, 2024, and are found eligible for expedited processing may be processed and an expedited benefit issued without an interview being attempted or taking place if the following conditions are met:
- The applicant’s identity has been verified and
- The applicant has provided enough information for the SNAP office to determine eligibility and calculate a SNAP benefit.
SNAP applicants who receive an expedited benefit and are being processed for ongoing SNAP benefits do not need to be interviewed if they submit all mandatory verification (see list of mandatory verification above) prior to receiving the ongoing SNAP benefits.
SNAP offices can choose to apply these rules through October 31, 2024.
Visit our SNAP Prescreening Guide for more information on the SNAP interview process.
