620 Eligibility and Certification

Due to emergency conditions, it is possible that more than one family will occupy a dwelling. Therefore, applicant groups or individuals sharing living quarters may be certified as separate households. The following eligibility requirements must be met for certification of households under the provisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan. No other eligibility requirements will be imposed. (A) Eligibility Requirements. (1) The household will be eligible for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan benefits only once during the time period authorized by FNS. If a new period is authorized by FNS, the household must reapply. No disaster SNAP benefits shall be authorized or issued after the expiration of the authorized period. (a) Ongoing households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, even when the household received its SNAP benefits during the month in which the disaster occurs, shall not be precluded a second issuance in accordance with these procedures. A second issuance shall be made if it appears that due to the disaster the household is unable to make the previously authorized purchase or has lost stocks of food acquired through the use of its benefits and meets all other eligibility requirements. (b) Applicants shall have their application for benefits processed in accordance with 1. Identity is the only required verification; 2. Household income, anticipated or received during the benefit period as well as all accessible liquid assets, less a deduction for disaster-related expenses, shall not exceed the disaster gross income limits. The formula for determining the disaster gross income limits is as follows: the maximum net the current the current shelter monthly income standard deduction limit for the deduction (See 106 CMR appropriate + (See 106 CMR + 364.400: Determining) household size 364.400: Determining Deductions) (See 106 CMR Deductions) 364.975: Standards for Special Circumstances Involving an Elderly and Disabled Individual) 3. All other verifications as specified in 106 CMR 361.610: Verification Requirements at Initial Certification must be provided if available. 4. The household resides either temporarily or permanently within the geographical limits of the disaster area as specified by FNS. 5. The household is in need of SNAP assistance because of a reduction in or inaccessibility of income or cash. (B) Certification Procedures. (1) The household must complete and have the head of household, or spouse, or authorized representative sign the disaster benefit application prescribed by the Department. This application form also serves as a request for the maximum SNAP benefit for the household's size. (2) The Department will review the application to determine if the applicant's statements meet the eligibility requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan. (3) If the household fails to meet the disaster eligibility requirements, it must be given Notice of Denial and be advised that it may apply for SNAP assistance in accordance with ongoing Program requirements. (4) If the household is determined to be eligible, the Department must provide: (a) an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card; (b) disaster SNAP benefits for the maximum allotment for the household size for the period authorized by FNS; and (c) a Notice of Approval which informs the household where SNAP benefits may be used and that the benefit is only for the specified period. Further benefits can be given only as the result of an approval of a new application for a later time period. (If FNS extends the disaster period, the household will have to make a new application for further benefits.)