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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 325  Accept the statement of these persons regarding receipt of the above benefits in 1997 or later.  If unable to contact the parent or spouse of an applicant, ask the applicant if they know whether the parent or spouse received any such benefits. If the applicant does not know or indicates that such benefits were not received, credit the quarters toward the applicant. Example Mrs. Santos and her two children apply for SNAP. Mrs. Santos came to the US in 2010 and got her lawful permanent resident status two years ago. Mrs. Santos’ children are US citizens. Mrs. Santos has 20 QQs based on her own earnings. Mrs. Santos is separated but still legally married. Her estranged husband, who does not live with her, refuses to sign a consent form. Mrs. Santos was married in June 2008.  Complete an SSA-513 form to submit to the SSA.  Indicate the years Mr. Santos’ earnings can be credited toward Mrs. Santos’ 40-quarter requirement.  Because they were married in the second quarter of 2010, request that SSA provide information from the second quarter of 2010 to the most recent quarter for which data are available.

Overview of the 40-Quarter Exception The 40-quarter exception applies to immigrants who are otherwise ineligible for SNAP benefits but can demonstrate they have accumulated 40 qualifying quarters (QQs) of work. These quarters can include the individual's own work history, as well as quarters credited from their parents or spouse, under specific conditions outlined. Using the Query Output The output received from SSA may only be used to determine QQs that can be credited toward an immigrant applying for benefits. It is not valid for determining earnings for SNAP. SSA output includes the following:  Verified SSN  SSN submitted to the SSA  Last name  First name  Middle initial  Date of birth  Minimum number of QQs (1937–1950)  Maximum number of QQs (1937–1950)  Railroad service months (1937–1946)  Condition code Return