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3210.15.30.15

RESIDENTS WHO LEAVE AGS TO ENTER SHELTER (S)

Many shelter residents have recently left an AG containing the individual who has abused them to reside in a domestic violence shelter. Their former AG may be participating in the SNAP program, and its entitlement may be based on an AG size that includes the persons who have just left. Shelter residents who are included in such AGs may, if otherwise eligible, be approved and participate as separate AGs, if their former AGs contain the individual who subjected them to abuse. In other words, shelter residents who are included in such AGs may receive an allotment beginning with the month they enter the shelter, even though they were included in the allotment for the former AG. Residents should be issued auxiliary benefits whenever they are entitled to additional allotments. However, residents may receive an additional allotment only for one month.

This is the only situation when an individual may receive duplicate benefits in a month. Note that the individual must be residing in a domestic violence shelter for this policy to apply. 3210.15.30.20

HOMELESS SHELTERS (S)

Individuals who reside in a public or private non-profit shelter for homeless persons are considered to be residing in an eligible institution. Individuals who reside in such shelters, may voluntarily apply for SNAP and if eligible, may be certified for SNAP.

The shelter may act as authorized representative and buy food for the individual but cannot use the SNAP benefits or the purchased food for communal dining purposes. The shelter cannot accept the SNAP as payment for meals unless they have been certified by USDA-FNS as a meal provider.

Residents of shelters for homeless are subject to all policy and regulations as others applying with the exception of the requirement to verify residency.

Residents of homeless shelters are given the same rights as all other SNAP AG's. 3210.15.35 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY (S)

Students who must be evaluated to determine if they are eligible to be included in the AG are those who are: • At least 18 but under 50; • Physically and mentally fit. If the individual alleges mental or physical impairment that is not evident to the worker, proof of the impairment must be required. Adequate verification may be receipt of disability benefits, a statement from a physician or licensed or certified psychologist, or a current medically frail determination. Students who are participating in Vocational Rehabilitation are considered mentally or physically unfit; and • Enrolled at least half time (as defined by the institution) in an institution of higher education. A student is considered enrolled in an institution of higher education if the person is enrolled in a business, technical, trade, or vocational school that normally requires a high school diploma or equivalency certificate for enrollment in the curriculum