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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 225 − Note: Even though ESA is at fault for the delay, federal rules at 7 CFR §273.14(a) prohibit SNAP households from participating beyond the end of their certification period without a determination of eligibility for a new certification period.  If determined eligible, ESA must provide a full month’s SNAP benefit for the first month of the new certification period. − If verification is required and less than 10 days are left in the certification period, the Notice of Required Verification must still be issued and provide the household 10 days to provide verification (even though the 10 days will extend beyond the end of the certification period). If the household provides the required verification, has no other outstanding requirements and is eligible, ESA must issue benefits on the household’s EBT within five working days from the date the household submits the requested verification. Example Marta’s certification period for SNAP ends on June 30. Marta speaks Spanish. ESA sends the Notice of Expiration, Notice of Interview Requirement and an application for recertification on May 1 in Spanish. Marta submits the application on June 1 and completes the interview on June 14. On June 18, ESA sends a Notice of Required Verification in English. Marta calls ESA on June 29 asking for an update on the recertification and is notified that she has outstanding verification. Marta’s participation is terminated on June 30. Marta submits the verification on July 2. Because ESA is at fault for failing to send the Notice of Required Verification in Spanish, Marta is entitled to a full month of benefits for the first month of the new certification period.

17.4.3.2 Household Submits Application for Recertification by End of Certification Period: Household Delay If the household submits a recertification application before the end of the household’s certification period (regardless of whether the application was submitted timely) and the household is at fault for failing to take a required action (e.g. complete the interview, submit required verification), ESA must take the following steps:  If the household takes the required action(s) before the end of the certification period: − If eligible, provide a full month’s SNAP benefit for the first month of the new certification period. − If not eligible, deny the application.  If the household takes the required action(s) within 30 days after the end of the certification period: − ESA must deny the recertification application at the end of the certification period. − ESA must continue to treat the application as a recertification. − If eligible, ESA must provide benefits retroactive to the date the household takes the last required action. However, benefits will not be prorated, and a full month of benefits will be provided for the new certification period if the following conditions apply: Return