Page 73

ESA SNAP Policy Manual 57 5.9 Household Composition Verification ESA must not verify the following household composition factors unless questionable:  Who is in the SNAP household  Who is separate from the SNAP household (i.e. not purchasing and preparing food together) − If this is questionable, the individuals claiming to be a separate household are responsible for proving they are a separate household.  Relationship of SNAP household members  Age of SNAP household members Questionable factors include the following:  Shared custody of a child when the child’s parents who live in separate households include the child in their SNAP household. Acceptable verification to determine where the child lives the majority of the time may include the following: − Custody orders − Parenting plans − Visitation schedules − School records − Collateral contact For more information on household composition, see Chapter 2, Household Composition. 5.10 Student Status and Exemption Verification ESA may require verification of the enrollment status for certain students. ESA may also require verification to determine if a student attending an institution of higher education meets a student exemption to be eligible for SNAP. If verification of student enrollment status or exemption is required per this section, ESA must verify at initial application, at recertification, when a new household member who is a student is added or if the status or exemption becomes questionable. 5.10.1 Student Enrollment Status A head of household aged 16 or 17 and attending school or enrolled in an employment and training program at least half time must provide verification to exempt them from the SNAP work requirements Legal Authority Household composition (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.1, 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(x) Return