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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 4 1.4 General Terms and Conditions This section outlines the general terms and conditions of the state agency participation in SNAP:  SNAP benefits do not count as income to reduce benefits: − The SNAP benefit allotment an eligible household receives will not be considered income or resources for any purpose under any federal, state or local laws, including laws on taxation, welfare and public assistance programs.  SNAP purchases are not subject to sales tax: − No local sales taxes or other taxes or fees, including excise taxes, can be collected within the state on purchases made with SNAP benefits. In cases where the value of eligible foods exceeds the presented SNAP benefits, only the portion of the sale made in exchange for SNAP benefits must be exempt from taxation. Although a SNAP recipient may use a combination of cash and SNAP benefits in making a food purchase, only the dollar amount represented by the SNAP benefits is required to be exempt from taxation.  Use or disclosure of information obtained from SNAP applicant or recipient households will be restricted.  ESA will not require a household to present photographic identification as a condition of eligibility and must accept any document that reasonably establishes the applicant’s identity.  Recipients of information must adequately protect the information against unauthorized disclosure to persons or for purposes not specified in this section. In addition, information received through the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) must be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by regulations established by the information provider.  If there is a written request by a responsible member of the household or the currently authorized representative to review the material and information contained in the household’s case file, the material and information contained in the case file will be made available for inspection during normal business hours. However, ESA may withhold confidential information, such as the names of individuals who have disclosed information about the household without the household’s knowledge or the nature or status of pending criminal prosecution.  Information available to the public upon request includes the following: − Federal regulations, federal procedures embodied in FNS notices, policy memos, State Plans of Operation and corrective action plans will be available upon request for examination by members of the public during office hours at ESA as well as at USDA FNS Regional and National Offices. − The SNAP Policy Manual will be available for examination upon request at each local ESA Service Center as well as at the ESA SNAP Policy Unit at the DHS Main Office and FNS Regional Offices. The SNAP Policy Manual may also be accessed online.  Records and reports: − ESA will keep such records and submit such reports and other information as required by USDA FNS.

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