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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 18000 18000 Procedures for Reducing, Suspending, or Cancelling Benefits 18100 Summary

18100 Summary

SNAP Manual 4/01/88 The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, mandates the procedures under which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits may be reduced, suspended, or cancelled if adequate funding for the Program is not available. Any of these actions may be used for one or more months as deemed necessary by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and must equally affect all states participating in the program.

18200 Notification

SNAP Manual 4/01/88 FNS will notify the Department of Human Services (DHS) of any reduction, cancellation or suspension of benefits which is to occur. Notification will include the effective date of the action. Upon receipt of notification of reduction, suspension or cancellation of benefits, DHS will notify the county offices of the impending action. Depending upon the type of action and the effective date of the action, the county office will be notified via WMMA, SNAP Online Message Screen or Memorandum. This information must be immediately transmitted to all county office personnel directly or indirectly involved in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Information regarding the reduction, cancellation or suspension of benefits will be transmitted initially to recipients through mass communication (e.g., press releases, news conferences etc.). Individual notices will be automatically printed and issued to SNAP recipients and/or applicants prior to or at about the same time the reduction, cancellation, or suspension is reflected in their SNAP allotment. FNS will subsequently notify DHS when the period of reduction, suspension and/or cancellation will end and normal issuance may resume.