DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION Section 100 Page 1

100 Household Composition Maryland’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP benefits represent federal dollars that are spent in the communities our customers live in. Recent national estimates show that every $5 of SNAP spent generates at least $9 in the local economy. 100.1 Purpose This section defines the eligibility group called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) household. It describes who is and is not part of the group for SNAP purposes. It also describes certain persons who are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits and persons who have eligibility only in special situations. 100.2 General Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Household Definition A. The eligible group for SNAP purposes is the SNAP household. B. A household may be one person or a group of people who live together and customarily purchase and prepare their food together. C. It is not necessary that the group of people share other non-household expenses. D. There is no requirement that the household has cooking facilities or common storage of food. E. No individual may participate as a member of more than one household in any month except when the individual is a resident of a shelter for battered women and children as described in Section 103 (Shelter Residents). F. If a person or group leaves a household, they must be permitted to apply and participate as a separate household the month after the move, if otherwise eligible. The remaining household members will receive benefits based on the reduced household size.

100.3 Required Household Combinations The following people who live together must be included in the same SNAP household. They cannot choose to be excluded on the basis of being a boarder, roomer or live-in attendant. When they claim separate living units in

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.3 Required Household Combinations (continued) the same building, they cannot be separate households if they share any common living quarters (e.g. kitchen or bathroom). A. Spouses are either of two individuals who: A. Are married to each other under applicable state law; or B. Hold themselves out to the community as husband and wife by representing themselves as such to relatives, friends, or

neighbors. Example 1: Mr. A applied for SNAP benefits. When questioned about who lives with him he said Mrs. A also lives in the home. Mr. A said they had separated, but she had no place to live so he let her stay at his house. They do not purchase and prepare food together. The case manager includes Mrs. A in the household because spouses cannot be separate households. Example 2: Mr. A applied for the SNAP again. Mr. and Mrs. A are now divorced. They still live in the same house and still purchase and prepare food separately. The case manager certifies Mr. A as a one-person household. Example 3: Mr. B applied for SNAP benefits for himself. When asked if other people live in the home, he stated that his girlfriend, Ms. C, and her son live with him. He also stated that Ms. C and her son purchase and prepare food separately from him. (Note: Mr. and Ms. C are not “holding themselves out to the community as husband and wife”) The case manager certifies Mr. B as a one-person household after getting verification from Ms. C that they do not purchase and prepare food together.

Example 4: Mrs. G applied for SNAP benefits for herself and two

children. She stated that her husband was not in the home only

because he is in the Army and is stationed out of the U.S.

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.3 Required Household Combinations (continued)

The case manager certifies Mrs. G and her children for SNAP benefits.

Mr. G is not in the SNAP household. (The income he sends to his family

is counted as unearned income.)

B. Parents and Children A. Children, 21 years old and younger, living with their natural, adoptive parents or stepparents cannot be separate households from their parents. Example 1: Mrs. D applied for SNAP benefits for herself, her husband and child. Mrs. D is 20 years old. They live with Mrs. D’s parents. The families purchase and prepare their food separately. The case manager cannot certify Mrs. D and her family separately from her parents so she asks for verification of the parent’s circumstances. Example 2: Mr. and Mrs. E and their son moved in with Mr. E’s parents. They purchase and prepare their food separately from the parents. Mr. E is 23 years old. The case manager certifies this household separately from the parents. Example 3: Mr. F is a 20-year old SSI recipient who lives with his parents. He is on a special diet. The parents want to apply for SNAP benefits for their son only since they purchase and prepare their food separately from him. The case manager explained that because of Mr. F’s age they would all have to be included as one household and requested information about all household members. Example 4: Ms. K applied for SNAP benefits for herself and three children. She stated that two of the children live with her all the time. Her oldest son is in the job corps. He is only home on some weekends. The case manager does not include the child who is not in the home except for some weekends. REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.3 Required Household Combinations (continued) Note: This policy would also apply to children who live away from home because of school. C. Adult children (22 years old or older) who live with their parents can be separate households if they purchase and prepare their food separately. Example: Mr. H applied for SNAP benefits for himself only. He is 25 years old. When questioned about household composition he stated that he lives with his mother and purchases and prepares his food with her. The case manager explains to Mr. H that he has to provide information about his mother’s circumstances because they cannot be separate households. D. Joint custody arrangements a. When the custody arrangement between parents is uneven, the child would be included in the household that provides the child with the majority of his or her meals. b. When there is an equal custody arrangement and the children eat 50 percent of their meals with each parent, the case manager must decide which household should include the child. If both parents apply and cannot agree on which household will include the child, the case manager will resolve the issue by including the child in the household that applied first. Note: The case manager must ensure that the child is included in only one household. E. Children Under 18 Years of Age Children (other than foster children – See section 100.5) age 17 or younger who live with and are under the parental control of someone other than a parent cannot be a separate household. A child is under “parental control” if he or she is financially or otherwise dependent on a member of the household.

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.3 Required Household Combinations (continued) Example: Ms. G is 17 years old. She lives with her aunt. Ms. G works and purchases and prepares her own meals. When questioned about household composition she stated that her aunt does not exercise parental control over her. The case manager certifies Ms. G as a one-person household. 100.4 Boarders A. Residents of a commercial boarding house, regardless of the number of residents, are not eligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. B. A commercial boarding house is an establishment that offers meals and lodging for compensation with the intent of making a profit. Do not use the number of boarders residing in a boarding house to determine if a boarding house is a commercial enterprise. Institutions listed in 100.63 of this manual are not considered boarding houses. C. All other individuals or groups of individuals who pay a reasonable amount for meals and lodging must be considered boarders and are not eligible to participate independently of the household providing the board. These individuals or groups of individuals may participate, along with a spouse or children living with them, as members of the household providing the boarder services, only at the request of the household providing the boarder services. D. An individual paying less than a reasonable amount cannot be considered as a boarder, but must be included as a member of the household providing the board. E. Persons who must be included in the household (see Section 100.3) cannot be boarders regardless of the amount of money they pay. F. Reasonable monthly amount is defined as follows: a. If the boarder receives more than two meals a day, the payment must equal or exceed the maximum monthly Supplemental b. REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.4 Boarders (continued) Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotment for the appropriate household size of the boarder household. c. If the boarder receives two meals or less a day, the payment must equal or exceed two-thirds of the maximum monthly SNAP allotment for the appropriate household size of the boarder household. This also applies in cases where, over a period of a week or month, the household receives two or fewer meals per day when the total meals are averaged over that period of time. For example, an individual may be part of a board arrangement that provides three meals per day on Monday through Thursday each week, but not for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. When averaged over the seven days, the number of meals is less than 2, or 1.7 per day. 100.5 Individuals in Foster Care/Kinship Care Subsidized Guardianship Program Individuals placed in the home of relatives or other individuals or families by a foster care program are considered to be boarders. They cannot get SNAP benefits independently of the household providing the foster care services. Do not include the foster care income unless the foster care child is in the SNAP household. 100.6 Ineligible individuals and Households The following people or groups of people are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Therefore, they are never part of the SNAP household. 100.61 Ineligible Immigrants Individuals who do not meet citizenship or immigrant requirements as described in Section 120. 100.62 Disqualified Individuals A. Individuals disqualified for intentional program violations as described in Section 480. B. Individuals disqualified for refusal or failure to provide a Social Security Number. C. Individuals convicted of trading SNAP benefits for illegal drugs. REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.62 Disqualified Individuals (continued) D. Individuals convicted of trading SNAP benefits for firearms, ammunition or explosives. E. Individuals convicted of trafficking SNAP benefits of $500 or more. F. Individuals convicted in a Federal or State court or Administrative Disqualification Hearing of having made a fraudulent statement or misrepresentation about place of residence or identity in order to receive multiple benefits simultaneously. G. Individuals disqualified for failure to comply with work registration requirements. H. Individuals who were receiving SNAP benefits and were convicted of a volume dealer drug offense (manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or possessing certain qualities of controlled dangerous substances) or a drug kingpin offense (a “drug kingpin” means an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager who acts as a co conspirator to manufacture, distribute, dispense, transport in, or bring into the state controlled dangerous substances in an amount that would be considered a volume dealer amount after October 1, 2017 , except for individuals as described in 100.7I. I. A fleeing felon or a parole violator. 100.63 Residents of Institutions A. Except for the groups listed in section 100.7 (C – G), residents of institutions are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits. B. A person is considered a resident of an institution when that institution provides them with a majority (50% or more) of their meals as part of its normal services. NOTE: See Section 108 (Households with Non-Members) for the treatment of the income and resources of a disqualified or ineligible household member.

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.64 Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDS) In local jurisdictions that are not exempt from ABAWD requirements, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who must meet work requirements may receive SNAP benefits only for 3 months out of 36 if they fail to meet the requirements. (See section 106 of this manual on ABAWDS.) 100.65 Fleeing Felons A. A person who is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement, after a conviction for committing a crime or for attempting to commit a crime that is a felony under the law of the place from which the individual is fleeing, or violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under federal or state law is considered a fleeing felon. B. Both verified parole and probation violators and fleeing felons are ineligible for SNAP. C. Maryland adopted the Federal Four-Part test to establish fleeing felon or parole or probation status for an individual. According to 7CFR 273.11(n), before the local department determines an individual is a fleeing felon, the following four criteria must be met: a. There must be a felony warrant for the individual. b. The individual has to be aware of, or should have reasonably expected that, a warrant has or would have been issued. c. The individual has to have taken some action to avoid being arrested or jailed such as: i. Moved out of state ii. Frequently changed addresses iii. Used false identities D. A law enforcement agency must be actively seeking the individual. 100.7 Special Eligibility Situations The following persons may make up or be part of the SNAP household provided they meet the special requirements described below.

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.7 Special Eligibility Situations (continued) A. Strikers Households with a member subject to work registration who is on strike are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they were eligible for benefits on the day prior to the strike (See Section 101). a. Households with a member subject to work registration who is on strike are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they were eligible for benefits on the day prior to the strike (See Section 101). b. Persons who are exempt from work registration are not defined as strikers. Therefore, this policy does not apply to them. In addition, it does not apply to persons locked out from their jobs. B. Students Students must meet one of the eligibility requirements listed in Section 102 (Students). C. Residents of public or private non-profit homeless shelters a. If otherwise eligible, residents of homeless shelters may receive SNAP benefits, even though the shelter may provide meals. b. A homeless person is someone who lacks a fixed and regular nighttime residence or a person whose primary nighttime residence is a: i. Supervised shelter that provides temporary accommodations, such as a welfare hotel or congregate shelter; ii. Halfway house or similar residence that provides temporary accommodations for people in the process of leaving an institution; iii. Temporary accommodation in the residence of another person for no more than 90 days; or iv. Place not designed for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations such as a hallway, a bus station, a lobby, a car, an abandoned building or any similar place.

REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.7 Special Eligibility Situations (continued)

Example: Mr. A is applying for the SNAP. He was recently released

from jail and is temporarily staying with his sister until he can find

a place to live. He has lived there for only 10 days. Based on the

above definition, he is homeless.

Example: Mr. B is applying for the SNAP. He says he is living in a homeless shelter and they provide all his meals. He has no income and does not pay anything to stay at the shelter. He is eligible for SNAP benefits.

D. Residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly E. Narcotics addicts or alcoholics in residential treatment For the purpose of participation in a drug or alcohol treatment rehabilitation program, the individual must reside at a facility or treatment center. Children living with the individual in the facility are also eligible. The treatment center must be a non-profit (federally exempt) facility. It must also be licensed as providing treatment by a health, mental health, or alcohol abuse agency of the State of Maryland, or be licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) as a retailer. F. Disabled or blind individuals in a group living arrangement a. Disabled or blind individuals who are residents of a group living arrangement (GLA) and who receive any of the following benefits: i. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ii. Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) iii. Disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency

because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act iv. An annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act and determined eligible to receive Medicare by the railroad Retirement Board v. Presumptive eligibility payments pending receipt of SSI REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.7 Special Eligibility Situations (continued) vi. Federal disability-related Medical Assistance b. This policy also applies to an individual who is blind or disabled who:

i. Is a veteran with a disability rated or paid as total by the Veterans Administration (VA); or

ii. Is a veteran considered by the VA to be in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound; or

iii. Is a surviving spouse or surviving child of a veteran whom the VA has determined to be in need of aid and attendance, is permanently incapable of self-support; or

iv. Is a surviving spouse or child of a veteran and considered by the VA to be entitled to compensation for a service connected death or pension benefits for a non-service connected death and has a disability considered permanent.

c. The GLA facility must be a non-profit (federally tax-exempt) facility certified by a health, mental health or social service agency of the State of Maryland (See Section 109.2, Other Special Households, for more detailed information on GLAs.) G. Women or women and children residing in shelters for battered women and children (See Section 103 Shelter Residents for more detailed information) H. Elderly and disabled persons living with others who cannot purchase and prepare their own meals because they suffer from a permanent physical disability (See Section 109.4 Other Special Households for more detailed information)

I. SNAP recipients convicted of a volume dealer drug offense or drug kingpin offense for a crime committed after July 1, 2000. J. An Individual receiving SNAP benefits who is convicted after July 1, 2000, of a drug-related felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance is: REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.7 Special Eligibility Situations (continued) a. Ineligible for SNAP for one year from the date of conviction, and

b. Is subject to testing and treatment for substance abuse for a period of two years starting from the later of the date when the individual with the conviction is: i. Released from incarceration, ii. Completes any term of probation, iii. Completes any term of parole and mandatory supervision

Note: There is no conciliation procedure for SNAP applicants or recipients who are convicted drug felons.

All resources and income of the excluded individual are counted as accessible to the SNAP household.

100.8 Non-Household Members

Do not consider the following individuals household members when determining the household’s eligibility for SNAP benefits. Non-household members, who are otherwise eligible, may participate as separate households. This does not apply to persons who must be included in the same SNAP household. A. Roomers: Individuals who pay the household for lodging, but not meals, and do not eat with the household.

B. Live-in Attendants: Individuals who reside with a household for the purpose of providing medical, housekeeping, child care or other similar personal services.

100.9 Verification A. Verify, if questionable, any factors affecting the composition of a household, such as household size and boarder status. B. Case managers must question all claims of separateness. C. The burden of proof for establishing separate household status is on the household. REVIEWED MAY 2026

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100.10 Designating the Head of Household A. The members of a household applying for benefits may designate the head of household. B. The local department: a. Will make the head of household designation if the household does not. b. Cannot impose special requirements on the head of household, such as requiring that the head of household appear for appointments at the local department. REVIEWED MAY 2026

101.1 Purpose

This section defines a striker for program purposes. It also provides eligibility requirements for households containing a striking member or members.

101.2 Definition of a Striker

Persons on strike are not considered to have voluntarily quit their jobs.

There are several situations in which people may appear to be strikers, but for SNAP eligibility are not considered strikers. These include:

Persons exempt from work registration requirements the day before the strike, for any reason other than employment; or

Employees who are locked out of their workplace because their work has been closed by an employer due to a strike; or

Employees unable to work as a result of striking employees. For example, striking newspaper pressmen prevent the printing of newspapers and consequently prevent truck drivers from working because there are no papers to deliver; or

Employees who are not part of the bargaining unit, refusing to work because of undesirable conditions at the workplace caused by the strike. For example, employees who do not want to cross a picket line for fear of personal injury; or

Employees who individually cease work, but are not ceasing work because the individual is participating in a strike.

The distinction between strikers and non-strikers is that strikers are involved in a concerted action by employees to temporarily stop work, while non-strikers are employees taking individual action or being forced as a result of the strike to stop work.

101.3 Determining Striker Status and Eligibility

Households with striking members are ineligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program unless the household was eligible for benefits the day before the strike and they are otherwise eligible to participate in the program at the time of application.

If eligible, the household cannot receive an increased allotment as the result of a decrease in income of the striking member.

Take the following steps to determine the eligibility of households when a member has temporarily stopped working:

Determine if the member who stopped working is a striker. If not, treat the household without consideration of the special striker policies. (However, assign a short certification period, since the household’s circumstances are likely to change.)

Determine if the striking member was exempt from work registration on the day prior to the strike. If so, take into account any loss of income to determine eligibility and benefits. In effect, treat the striking member as a non-striker. Count as unearned income any strike benefits the striking member receives.

If the striking member is not exempt from work registration, determine if the household was eligible the day prior to the strike. Use that day as the date of application and assume the strike did not occur. Take into account the income the striking member would have received to determine eligibility and benefits. Count as unearned income any strike benefits the striking member receives.

If other members of the household have income, determine eligibility by comparing the striking member’s income on the day prior to the strike to the striker’s current income. Add the higher of the two amounts to the current income of the other household members. Apply the earned income deduction when appropriate.

If the household contains a striking member who is not exempt from work registration and the household was not eligible on the day prior to the strike, the household is ineligible as long as the strike lasts.

101.3 Determining Striker Status and Eligibility (continued)

EXAMPLE: Mary Jones applied for SNAP benefits for herself, her husband, John, and their two children (age 12 and 13 years) on December 11. Mary was laid off from her job and John’s hours were reduced to 20 hours per week. The employees at John’s place of employment went on strike December 9. The case manager would look at the household situation as it was on December 8 to determine eligibility. (Date of Application becomes the day before the strike (December 8, as described in Section 101.3 C 3 below).

EXAMPLE: A household containing a striker applies on the day the strike begins. The household would have met the income test on the day prior to the strike. The household is ineligible to participate for the duration of the strike.

101.4 Verification and Reporting

Verify household income on the day prior to the strike if the household believes its income would qualify it for SNAP benefits.

A household with a member on strike, but eligible for the program, has the same responsibility to report changes as any other household as described in section 420 (Reporting Changes). Take prompt action on reported changes to determine if the change affects the striking household’s eligibility or benefits. Process all changes that result in a decrease, increase or termination of SNAP benefits

101.5 Work Registration

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL STUDENTS Section 102 Page 1

102.1 Student Policy A. A person is a student if they are enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. a. An institution of higher education includes a business, trade, technical, or vocational school, when an individual is enrolled in a curriculum that requires a high school diploma or equivalent. b. An institution of higher education also includes a degree-granting college or university, when an individual is enrolled in a regular curriculum, regardless of whether it requires a high school diploma. c. Some programs and curricula are not considered institutions of higher education for the purposes of the student policy and, therefore, individuals enrolled in those programs or curricula are not subject to this policy section. For example, the following types of programs are not considered institutions of higher education: i. Remedial courses, ii. Continuing or community education, iii. Professional development, iv. Basic adult education, v. English as a second language, or vi. Workforce development and training. B. A person who is enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education is considered a student and therefore is not eligible for SNAP benefits unless the person meets one of the student exemptions listed below in Section 102.2. The United States Department of Agriculture provided a flowchart as a reference for determining whether an individual is enrolled in an institution of higher education (IHE) for SNAP eligibility purposes.

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102.1 Student Policy (continued) C. This policy section does not pertain to people who are enrolled less than half-time (i.e., part-time) in an institution of higher education. D. Individuals enrolled in an institution of higher education may not be denied SNAP benefits solely because they participate in a meal plan; the scope of the meal plan must be investigated. Per SNAP Manual Section 100.63, individuals who receive more than half of the 21 meals per week through a meal plan are considered residents of an institution and are not eligible for SNAP benefits. Individuals who receive fewer than half of their meals per week (under 10.5 meals) from a meal plan may be eligible for SNAP. They are eligible for SNAP if they are either not considered a student (See 102.1(A) and (B)) or are exempt from the student policy (see 102.2), and they meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. 102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy Half- or full-time students meeting one or more of the following conditions are exempt from the student policy. Students who are exempt from the student policy are eligible for SNAP benefits regardless of their enrollment status, the type of school, and the type of curriculum that they are enrolled in, provided that they meet all other eligibility requirements. The following are exempt from the student policy: A. Students age 17 or younger, or age 50 or older; B. Students who are physically or mentally unfit; a. Fitness for this student policy exemption refers to whether a person can work while concurrently being enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. b. An individual is considered physically or mentally unfit if: i. They are receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources; ii. The unfitness is evident to the case manager;

REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy (continued) iii. Verification of the inability to work due to physical or mental unfitness is provided. Verification is only required if the unfitness is not evident or is questionable. The following documents are acceptable as verification of an inability to work due to physical or mental unfitness: 1. 500 Medical Form; 2. Statement from a physician, physician's assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, designated representative of the physician's office, a licensed or certified psychologist, a social worker, or other medical or mental health professional; 3. Letter from the school’s disability or accommodations office; and 4. Collateral contact, as a last resort (see SNAP Manual Section 408.102 for a definition of collateral contact). If the unfitness is not evident and other acceptable verification is unavailable, case managers must make every attempt to verify unfitness using a collateral contact. c. Each LDSS is asked to use plain language in materials and in interviews so applicants can provide the information necessary for the case manager to make the determination. For example, instead of asking if a student is “unfit,” the case manager could ask whether the student faces physical or mental barriers to working while attending school. The word “unfit” has negative connotations, so students may be hesitant to describe themselves as such. Plain language is particularly important to identify students with a non-evident disability or who meet the physical or mental unfitness exemption in a way that is not readily apparent to the case manager.

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102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy (continued) C. Students receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA); D. Students participating in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program under Title IV of the Social Security Act or its successor program; E. Students employed an average of 20 hours per week or more and paid for the employment, or, if self-employed, employed for an average of at least 20 hours per week and receiving average weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours; a. Average weekly hours of employment are calculated over either the past 30 days or the past quarter (i.e., the three full months before the individual’s application), using whichever method results in the highest average number of hours worked per week. b. To calculate the average hours worked per week over a quarter, total the number of hours worked across the last three full months before the date of application. Divide that total by 12 (using a standardized four weeks per month). The result is the average weekly hours. For example, a student applying on August 25 worked 55 hours in July, 100 hours in June, and 109 hours in May. Together, this is a total of 264 hours, which yields an average of 22 hours per week when divided by 12. The average weekly hours must be entered on the Income screen in E&E. c. When average work hours are calculated, case managers must use the fluctuating income calculation detailed in SNAP Manual Section 213.3(C). If the number of hours that a student works is based on an average, the corresponding average income amount must also be calculated and entered on the Income screen in E&E. This can be done in one of two ways: i. Complete the same calculation that was done to determine the average number of hours, but using the gross income amounts; or ii. Multiply the calculated average number of hours by the REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy (continued) hourly rate of pay. Example 1: Student A applies for SNAP on April 1. They are a full-time student who also works at Walmart, where they are paid weekly, earning $15 per hour. Their paychecks from the last three full months show the following hours and gross earnings: Most Recent 3 Months Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Monthly Total Hours Amt Hours Amt Hours Amt Hours Amt Hours Amt March 18 $270 18 $270 18 $270 17 $255 71 $1065 February 24 $360 21 $315 22 $330 19 $285 86 $1290 January 24 $360 17 $255 20 $300 22 $330 83 $1245

Using only the last 30 days (March), the average number of hours worked per week is 17.75 hours (71 total hours worked in March divided by four weeks). When calculated over a quarter (the last three full months), the average number of hours worked per week is 20 hours (71 + 86 + 83 = 240 total hours divided by 12 weeks). Using the average weekly hours calculated over a quarter rather than over the last 30 days, Student A meets the requirement of working an average of 20 hours per week, making them exempt from the student policy and eligible for SNAP benefits, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Continuing this example, the case manager would next calculate Student A’s average weekly income over the last calendar quarter and enter it into E&E. Student A earned an average of $300 per week ($1,065 + $1,290 + $1,245 = $3,600 total income for the quarter divided by 12 weeks). d. When a student is self-employed, weekly earnings are used to REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy (continued) determine the number of hours worked. Self-employed students must work an average of 20 hours per week with weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours to meet the student policy exemption for employment. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, so the student must earn at least $145 per week when averaged over either the past 30 days or the prior three full months, regardless of how many hours they report working. Example 2: Using the table from Example 1, imagine Student A is self-employed instead of working at Walmart. From the calculations done in Example 1, we know that Student A worked an average of 20 hours per week, when calculated over a quarter, and earned an average of $300 per week. Dividing $300 by $7.25 (federal minimum wage) equates to 41 hours per week. Therefore, Student A meets the requirement to be exempt from student policy due to self-employment and is eligible for SNAP, provided all other eligibility criteria are met. Example 3: Student B is a self-employed student earning an average of $100 per week. Since $100 divided by $7.25 results in 13.79, Student B is found to work an average of 14 hours per week by federal minimum wage standards. Regardless of how many hours per week they report working, their self-employment does not exempt them from the student policy because their weekly earnings are equivalent to less than 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage. Student B is not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they qualify for a different exemption under the student policy. F. Students participating in a state or federally financed work study program during the regular school year (see 102.3 for the definition of work study); G. Students participating in on-the-job training programs (a person is considered to be participating in an on-the-job training program only during the period of time they are being trained by the employer); REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.2 Exemptions from Student Policy (continued) H. Students responsible for the care of a dependent household member under age 6; I. Students responsible for the care of a dependent household member who is 6 through 11 years old, when child care is inadequate for the student to attend class and comply with the work requirements; or J. Single parents enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education and responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 12 (if no natural, adoptive, or stepparent is in the SNAP household with the child, another household member may qualify for this exemption if they have parental control over the child and are not living with their spouse); K. Students who are participating in a: a. Program under the Job Training Partnership Act of 1974 (JTPA); b. Program under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974; or c. SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program for low-income households that is operated by a state or a local government, where one or more of the components of the program is at least equivalent to an acceptable SNAP employment and training program component as specified in 7 CFR § 273.7(e)(1). 102.3 Definition of Work Study The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need. Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal work study. As long as there is some federal funding involved, a work study program is considered to be federally financed. Maryland does not currently have any state-financed work-study programs. Note: Students who are paid to attend institutions of higher education with federal JTPA or Work Opportunities funds are not considered work study students. They are exempt from the limitations of the student policy because of their participation in a qualifying program (see 102.2.K above). A. To qualify for a work study exemption from student policy, an individual REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.3 Definition of Work Study (continued) must be participating in a state or federally-financed work study program during the regular school year. Three criteria must be met to be considered participating in a work study program: a. The student must be approved for work study at the time of the SNAP application. b. The work study must be approved for the school term, and c. The student must anticipate actually working the work study job during the school term. i. Anticipation of working the work study job means that the student has verified that they are working with their institution of higher education to establish a work study placement, but have not begun work yet. Note: Unlike the employment exemption, the number of hours a student spends on the work study is not considered for the work study exemption. B. Verification of work study participation (or anticipated participation) is not required unless the information provided by the student is considered questionable. Under these circumstances, the case manager must verify the questionable information before certifying the household. Acceptable sources of verification include (but are not limited to): a. Financial aid award letter; b. Documentation from the school; c. Letter from the work study employer; and d. Written attestation from the student (if no other verification is available). C. There are several considerations for applying the work study exemption within the school term: REVISED APRIL 2026

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102.3 Definition of Work Study (continued) a. The exemption begins with the month in which the school term begins, or the month the work study is approved, whichever is later. b. Once begun, the exemption continues until the end of the month in which the school term ends, or it becomes known that the student refused a work study assignment. Note: If the local department becomes aware of a student who with an exemption because of anticipated work study and the work study did not materialize, a claim is not required unless the student deliberately gave wrong or misleading information. c. The exemption does not continue between school terms if there is a break of a full month or longer between terms, unless the student is participating in work study during the break. D. Work study income is excluded for SNAP eligibility purposes (see SNAP Manual Section 211 Excluded Income). 102.4 Work Registration An eligible student is exempt from work registration due to their status as a student. 102.5 Household Requirements An ineligible student is a non-member of the SNAP household. See 102.7 for information on the non-member’s income and resources. 102.6 Enrollment Status Enrollment status begins the first day of the school term and continues through normal periods of class attendance, vacation, and recess unless the person graduates, is expelled or suspended, drops out, or does not plan to register for the next normal school term (excluding summer school). 102.7 Income and Resources Do not consider the income and resources of an ineligible student when determining eligibility and the benefit level for the remainder of the household. Ineligible students are non-members. REVISED APRIL 2026

103.1 Purpose

The purpose of this section is to describe the special policies that apply to residents of shelters for battered women and their children.

103.2 Definition of Shelter

Shelter for battered women and children means a public or private non-profit residential facility that serves battered women and their children. If the facility serves other individuals, a portion of the facility must be set aside on a long-term basis to serve only battered women and children.

103.3 Residency and Separate Household Status

Consider persons temporarily residing in shelters for battered women and children as individual household units when applying for and participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Under no circumstances should you release any information on the whereabouts of the family members in the shelter to anyone remaining in the abuser’s household.

103.4 Income and Resources

Certify shelter residents who apply as a separate household solely on the basis of their income and resources and the expenses for which they are responsible.

103.4 Income and Resources (continued)

Do not consider the income, resources, and expenses of the former household.

Consider as shelter expenses any room payments made to the shelter.

Consider resources as inaccessible if they are:

Jointly owned by the shelter resident and any member of the former household if that household contains the person that subjected the resident to abuse, and

Access to the value of the resources is dependent upon the agreement if a joint owner who still resides in the former household

103.5 Expedited Service

Note: SNAP Manual Section 401 Expedited Services

Residents of shelters who are entitled to expedited service must have access to their SNAP benefits as soon as possible but no later than the seventh calendar day after the application is filed.

Prorate SNAP benefits for the initial month as for any other household (See Section 412).

The case manager should make reasonable efforts to verify within the seven-day expedited service time frame the household’s shelter and dependent care deduction. The case manager should send form 1052 requesting verification, if the household does not satisfy the verification requirement before the end of the expedite period, the case manager will process the case without the deduction.

The case manager must make all attempts with the customer to complete the interview in order to meet expedited processing standards. All attempts to contact the customer should be documented in the case. If a telephone number is provided, contact the customer to conduct the interview. If no telephone number is provided, schedule an appointment for an interview with the customer. The appointment should be scheduled no later than the 6th day from the date of application. Appointments should be mailed to the customer if the local DSS is unable to reach the customer by phone. The interview for expedited applications may be a telephone interview unless the applicant requests a face-to-face interview. Document the type of interview conducted.

If a household does not complete the interview by the 7th calendar day, the application can not be processed within the established expedited service time frames. The application must be processed within the normal 30 days of the date of application, in accordance with 7 CFR 273.2 (FNS- GD- 2006-011) of the rules.

103.6 Action on Changes to Former Households

Case managers must take prompt action to reduce or terminate SNAP benefits to former households to reflect the loss of any household members.

Case managers must ask any shelter residents applying for SNAP benefits if they are currently part of other participating households.

If the shelter resident is currently participating in the same project area, the case manager must take the following steps:

Reduce SNAP benefits by changing the household size to reflect the loss of any member. Give timely and adequate notice of the reduction to the former household.

If appropriate, terminate SNAP benefits after following procedures for clarifying unclear information in Section 420.8. Take great care not to expose the members of the household in the shelter to further abuse.

104.1 Purpose

This section describes the special policies that apply to households that have self-employment income.

104.2 General Information

SNAP applicants and recipients may have income from self-employment. Self-employed people can include: child or adult care providers; taxicab/Uber/Lyft drivers; hairdressers, barbers or beauticians; handymen, odd jobs, landscapers or lawn care providers; newspaper delivery people; small business owners; farmers; fishermen or watermen; and, craft, art, or jewelry sales people. In general, people who have earnings from working for themselves are considered self-employed. They may work under a contract for another person or business or they may own their own business.

Here are some ways to identify self-employment:

If an employer reports a person’s wages on an IRS form 1099-MISC rather than a W-2 form, the person is almost always self-employed. See Section 104.91.

If the person is employed by a company or organization as a contractor, they should have an IRS form 1099-MISC provided by the employer showing their “nonemployee compensation.”

The self-employed person should also file a Schedule C with their 1040, showing their gross income from self-employment in Part 1, Line 1 (or Part II, Line 1 on the Schedule C-EZ). Schedule C is the first place you should look for self-employment income. See Section 104.92.

The IRS form 1099-MISC can also be used to report royalties (in box 2), which are considered unearned income for SNAP purposes.

Musicians or writers may have royalties from album or book sales.

If an employer does not withhold taxes and social security (FICA), the person is considered self-employed.

Some people, such as daycare providers or handymen, work directly for people who do not provide an IRS form 1099-MISC at the end of the tax year.

Often people in these jobs are paid in cash.

A self-employed person may file Schedule E to report income from rental real estate, partnerships, S corporations, and also unearned income from estates, trusts, and royalties.

In a partnership, each partner must file Schedule K-1 (form 1065) to report their income from the partnership.

An S corporation must also file a Schedule K-1 (form 1120S) to report on each shareholder’s share of income. The shareholders use the information on the K-1 to report on their individual return Schedule E.

Trusts and estates use Schedule K-1 (form 1041) to report income to their beneficiaries which are considered unearned income for SNAP purposes.

The Code of Federal Regulations requires that earned income includes all wages and salaries of an employee and the gross income from a self-employment enterprise.

Ownership of a rental property is considered self-employment unless the owner spends an average of 20 or more hours a week managing the property, then it is considered earned income.

Payments from a roomer or boarder are also considered income from self-employment.

Self-employed individuals may incorporate their businesses in several different ways, among them are:

Limited Liability Company (LLC) – the least complex business structure that protects personal assets and passes through taxes on profit (or loss) to the owners, who report it on their individual income tax returns.

S Corporation – also protects personal assets and passes through taxes to the owners who report their share of profit (or loss) on their individual income tax returns.

Partnership – incorporated partnerships also protect personal assets and pass-through taxes to the partners who report their share of profit (or loss) on their individual income tax returns.

To calculate self-employment income, allow a deduction of 50% from the gross income as the cost for producing the income before applying the 20% earned income deduction. Self-employed farmers may deduct actual losses from their gross income rather than the 50% if the cost to produce exceeds the income from the farm. To be considered a self-employed farmer, the farmer must have gross income of $1,000 or more from the farm.

All the policies and procedures described in the general sections of this manual apply to households with self-employed members. However, the following four specific areas require special consideration:

Resources

Income

Certification Periods

104.3 Work Registration

Receiving income from self-employment does not automatically exempt a household member from the work registration requirement. All the statutory exemptions listed in SNAP Manual Section 130.5 Work Requirements apply to self-employed individuals. In order to be exempt due to employment, a self-employed member must be:

Receiving earnings which, on a weekly basis, are equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours (see Section 130)

C. Self-employed at least 20 hours per week, averaged monthly, to meet the ABAWD requirement.

EXAMPLE 1: A cash crop farmer who performs actual farming activity 8 months out of the year is exempt from work registration during the other 4 months if his annual income from farming equals the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours when considered on a weekly basis. In other words, annual income divided by 52 must be at least equal to 30 times the minimum hourly wage.

EXAMPLE 2: A franchise operator hires other people to perform the actual day-to-day operation of the business. He does not actually work at least 30 hours weekly on the business. He does not earn enough annually to equal weekly earnings of 30 times the minimum wage. This SNAP participant must register for work unless he is otherwise exempt.

The income earned during the tourist season is intended to provide annual support and it equals an annual weekly amount of 30 times the federal minimum wage; or

She qualifies for some other work registration exemption.

Consider the following special factors when determining the gross monthly income for self-employed households:

Annualizing

Prorate over a 12-month period self-employment income that represents a household’s annual support, even if the income is received in only a short period of time. For example, the self-employment income of a crop farmer must be prorated over a 12-month period, if the income is intended to support the farmer on an annual basis.

Averaging

Average over a 12-month period self-employment income received on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc) that does not fluctuate greatly in amount but which represents a household’s annual support. For example, a dairy farmer whose annual income is derived from his business receives income from the sale of milk on a regular basis. Convert this income to a yearly amount and average over a 12-month period. See Section 104.891 for types of verification.

Average self-employment income that is intended to meet the household’s needs for only part of the year, over the period of time the income is intended to cover. For example, self-employed vendors who work at this business only in the summer and supplement their income from other sources during the balance of the year must have their self-employment income averaged over the summer months rather than a 12-month period.

Average self-employment income over the period of time a business has operated, if it has been in business for less than a year. Project this monthly amount for the coming year.

Verify the income used for averaging using the types of verifications in section 104.891 of this manual.

Anticipating

Anticipate rather than average self-employment income under the following circumstances:

The average amount does not accurately reflect the household’s actual monthly circumstances because there has been a substantial increase or decrease in business; or

The nature of the business is such that the receipt and amount of income varies greatly; or

A business has been in operation such a short time that there is not enough information to average earnings and project them over a yearly period.

104.81 Definition of a Self-Employed Farmer

The case manager must first determine if the person is a self-employed farmer.

To be considered a self-employed farmer, the person must:

Earn at least $1,000 a year from the farm,

Be engaged in farming activity for the purpose of producing income, and

Have direct involvement in farming activity.

For example, a person who rents his land to another individual to raise a crop is not a self-employed farmer if he is not directly involved in the growing or harvesting of the crop.

The case manager must use his or her best judgment on a case-by-case basis to determine if a person is a self-employed farmer or a farm employee.

COMAR 07.03.17.39C allows self-employed farmers to offset farm losses against gross earnings and does not restrict them to the 50% cost to produce deduction.

104.82 Definition of a Self-Employed Business Person

Sole Proprietorship.

Self-employment income generally consists of earnings derived by an individual as the sole proprietor of her business.

A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that has no existence apart from the owner.

The business liabilities are the personal liabilities of the single owner.

Partnership.

There may also be some self-employment income situations that involve a partnership.

There should be an oral or written agreement. Generally, a partner's share of income, gain, loss, deductions, or credits is determined by the partnership agreement. In any matter not addressed by a written agreement, the provisions of local law are considered to be part of the agreement.

Independent Contractors.

Other self-employment situations for SNAP purposes include independent contractors who pay expenses and persons who do not have a direct employer/employee relationship.

In determining if the person is an independent contractor, the case manager should determine if a household operates a separate (perhaps more specialized) business than the proprietor of the main business.

In determining if there is an employer and employee relationship, the case manager may consider such things as whether the person has an established work schedule and specified wages, whether the employer withholds social security and income taxes from earnings.

A sharecropper who pays the costs of doing business and receives a portion of the net farm income in exchange for her labor is a self-employed farmer. A sharecropper who does not pay the costs of doing business is not a self-employed farmer.

Corporations.

If the household has shares in an S Corporation, the S Corporation income reported on the household's Form 1040 must be counted as self-employment income and annualized over a 12-month period.

An owner or employee of another corporation is not a self-employed person. If the person receives a salary from the corporation, she is considered an employee of the corporation. Shareholders who only receive dividends are entitled to neither the costs of producing self-employment income nor the earned income deduction. The dividends are counted as unearned income. Corporations are separate legal entities, and the corporation is responsible for its debts and obligations.

104.83 BASIC STANDARDS

104.831 Basic Standards for Farmers

Self-employed farm households are subject to the same basic processing, eligibility and allotment standards as other households. However, self-employed farmers’ monthly net income is computed differently, changes in their farm income are treated differently, and there is a special resource provision.

Non self-employed farmers are treated the same as other households that do not have farm income, e.g., wages of a farm laborer are counted as earned income, income from renting a farm is treated like other rental income.

Some farmworkers are given crops at harvest time in addition to salary. If the farmworker plans to sell the crop during the certification period in which it is received, the money received from the sale is counted as self-employment income. If the farmworker does not plan to sell the crop during the certification period in which it is received, the value of the crop is counted as a resource beginning the month in which it is received. If the household later sells a crop that was counted as a resource, the payments received are not counted as income. Resources are counted only for non-categorically eligible households.

There is a special expedited service provision for migrants and seasonal farmworker households. (See Section 122)

Gross self-employment income used in the income calculation is excluded from resources during the period of time that the income is counted.

Example: A household earned $10,000 gross self-employment income last year and expects to earn the same amount this year. Six thousand dollars of expenses were excluded from income to cover the costs of doing business. Four thousand dollars were annualized and prorated as income for the calendar year 2001. The household has $11,000 in a bank account. Only $1,000 is counted as a resource during 2001 for a non-categorically eligible household unless there are other changes. Resources are not counted for categorically eligible households.

Prorated Income Not a Resource

Gross Farm Income in 2000 $10,000

Allowable costs -6,000

Prorated for 2001 $4,000 (no changes were anticipated)

Bank Account $11,000

Gross Farm Income - 10,000

Count as a Resource $1,000

104.832 Basic Standards for Businesses

The treatment of resources of a corporation varies based on the type of corporation.

Profits of an S Corporation are not considered a resource essential to the employment of a household member even if they are used to purchase more stock in the corporation.

Resources of other corporations are not counted as the resources of an individual’s household. Bank accounts that a corporation owns must be in the corporation's name.

Ownership of Stock in a Corporation.

If a person owns stock in a corporation, the stock is considered a resource for a non-categorically eligible household unless it is essential to his or her employment.

If a person is employed by and owns stock in a corporation, the case manager must determine if the stock is essential to the non-categorically eligible person's employment.

To the extent that an employee of a corporation must hold stock in the corporation as a condition of employment, the stock is essential to the employment of that person and not considered a resource.

If ownership of the stock is not essential, the stock is considered a resource for non-categorical households.

Example: if a farmer has incorporated his farm, he is the sole worker and all of the corporation's assets are related to the farming operation, the farmer's stock in the corporation is essential to his employment and excluded from being considered a resource.

Sometimes the value of shares in a corporation with only one shareholder or just a few shareholders is not readily available. In such instances, the case manager may subtract corporate liabilities from assets and prorate the difference among the various shareholders based on the percentage of shares held.

104.832 Basic Standards for Businesses (continued)

Loans.

All loans, except deferred educational loans, are excluded as income.

Loans, other than deferred repayment educational loans, are considered a resource for non-categorical households in the month received even if the household anticipates spending some or all of it in the same month.

For an ongoing (certified) household, excess resources any time during the month makes a non-categorically eligible household ineligible. Any amount remaining after the month of receipt continues to be counted as a resource until the money is spent. This includes business loans as well as personal loans. NOTE: Almost all SNAP households are categorically eligible under expanded categorical eligibility rules.

Sometimes a farmer may obtain a loan, but funds can only be released by signature of both the lender and the farmer. In such cases where the farmer has a "line-of-credit," only the portion that is actually borrowed and held in an account is considered a resource.

Payment-In-Kind (PIK) payments.

Some farm households receive Payment-In-Kind (PIK) payments. Normally these are annualized as income. However, if the farmer indicates that he intends to retain PIK payments for longer than a year, the payments should not be annualized as income but considered a resource for a non-categorical household to the extent that they will be kept longer than a year.

Bankruptcy.

Some farmers or businesses declare bankruptcy. If so, the case manager must determine what resources are accessible to the non-categorically eligible household and, if they are accessible, whether the resources can be excluded under another provision such as being essential to self-employment if the person is still self-employed.

Non-liquid assets against which a lien has been placed as a result of taking out a business loan are excluded if the household is prohibited by the security or lien agreement from selling the asset. Verify using a loan agreement.

.

104.84 Computing Income and Farm Expenses

Annualized With Certain Exceptions:

Normally self-employment income and expenses are averaged over a 12-month period. Regardless of whether the household receives the income monthly or less often than monthly, annualizing is done when the self-employment represents a household's annual income. Self-employment is annualized even if the household receives income from other sources. For example, a man is a self-employed grain farmer. His wife is a part-time nurse in a doctor’s office. In this case, the self-employment income would be annualized and the wife’s nursing income would be considered earned income.

Normally self-employment income and expenses from the past year are counted for the current year. However, anticipated changes, such as a change in the type of farm operation or the amount of land farmed, crop failure, a substantial change in market prices, etc. which would affect the net income must be taken into account. In anticipating income, it may be helpful to review a cash flow plan prepared by a lender such as the Farmers Home Administration (FMHA), a bank, or a Federal loan bank. These plans

anticipate income and expenses. The income and expenses must be prorated evenly over a 12-month period to determine eligibility.

For example, last year a farmer earned $10,000 and had $5,000 in expenses. This year he inherited additional land and he expects to gross $22,000 and have $11,000 in allowable SNAP expenses. The case manager must annualize the anticipated income of $22,000 and the anticipated expenses of $11,000.

Capital Gains.

For SNAP purposes, proceeds from the sale of capital goods or equipment are calculated in the same manner as a capital gain for Federal income tax purposes.

For Federal income tax purposes, capital gains are generally computed by comparing the sales price to the "cost or other basis." If the sales price is greater, there is a gain. If the costs are greater, there is a loss. The "cost or other basis" in general is the cost of the property, purchase commissions, improvements, and sales expenses such as broker's fees and commissions minus depreciation, amortization, and depletion.

The full amount of the capital gain, if any, is counted as income for SNAP purposes.

104.84 Computing Income and Farm Expenses (continued)

If the self-employment was anticipated rather than averaged, any capital gains that the household anticipates in the 12-month period starting with the date of application must be divided by 12 and the average monthly amount added to the anticipated monthly self-employment income. The average monthly capital gain amount must be counted in each of the 12 months even if more than one certification period is involved. However, a new average must be calculated and used if the anticipated amount of capital gains changes.

Allowable Expenses.

When a farmer verifies expenses in excess of the 50 percent deduction you may exclude allowable costs of doing business from self-employment income such as those listed in 3 below.

Self-employment income for SNAP purposes is not computed the same way as it is for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) purposes. The IRS forms may only be used for verification purposes.

Allowable farming costs for SNAP purposes include costs such as identifiable costs of:

Labor such as wages and salaries paid to employees. However, an exclusion cannot be allowed for wages paid to the farmer himself or other household members;

Stock;

Raw material and supplies;

Seed and plants;

Fertilizer and lime;

The interest portion of (i) payments on business or operating loans and (ii) payments on income-producing real estate and capital assets such as equipment, machinery, and other durable goods;

Insurance premiums;

Taxes paid on the income-producing property;

Privilege taxes such as licensing fees and gross receipts and general excise taxes that must be paid in order to earn self-employment income;

Business transportation costs such as costs of carrying grain to an elevator trips to obtain needed supplies, etc.;

Rental payments on income-producing equipment. If a farmer is renting equipment with an option to buy, the rent payments are allowed until the purchase is made;

Costs of repairs and maintenance of equipment; and

Storage and warehousing charges.

104.84 Computing Income and Farm Expenses (continued)

Costs are allowed when they are billed or otherwise become due. When the income is annualized, only expenses billed or otherwise due in the current 12-month period are allowed. Costs that were billed or otherwise became due in a prior year which are not expected to recur in the current year may not be brought forward to the current year regardless of when they are paid.

There are some costs that specifically are NOT ALLOWABLE. They are:

Payments on the principal of the purchase price of income-producing real estate and capital assets such as equipment, machinery, and other durable goods;

Expenses and net losses from previous periods;

Federal, State, and local income taxes, money set aside for retirement, and other work-related personal expenses such as transportation to and from work. These expenses are allowed for by the 20 percent earned income deduction;

Depreciation. To allow such costs would result in an exclusion for amounts which are not actual costs to the household and would, in effect, constitute an exclusion for the costs of income-producing property and assets which otherwise are not allowed;

Repayment of the principal of a bank loan. The loan was never counted as income, and the repayments as such are not excluded as an expense. However, the household is given an exclusion for allowable expenses (see 104.83C) when purchases are made even if they are paid for with a business, operating or personal loan;

Penalties and fines. For example, an IRS penalty imposed on a farmer for failure to pay an employee's social security taxes is not an allowable cost of doing business. Likewise, penalties imposed by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for failure to comply with planting and marketing programs are not allowable costs;

Blue jeans and work boots are not specific to any one job, and their costs are not allowable exclusions. However, if a self-employed fisherman needs hip boots or a beekeeper needs protective headgear, the costs would be allowable exclusions; and

104.85 Shelter Portion of a Farm

Shelter Costs Other Than Utilities

If a household's home is on property connected to property used for farming, the case manager must determine if the shelter costs (e.g. rent or mortgage) and the self-employment costs can be separately identified.

Proration may be used to separately identify costs based on information from a mortgage lender, real estate tax records, Farmers Home Administration documents, insurance premiums, etc., and the home ratio may be applied to taxes and insurance costs if better information is not readily available.

If the costs of rent or mortgage, insurance, taxes, and interest cannot be separated, no self-employment exclusion for insurance, taxes, or interest on the mortgage payment may be allowed, and no portion of the mortgage payment, taxes, or interest may be allowed as shelter costs.

If the farmer uses a room or a separate apartment in his or her house or residence solely for the farm operation, the case manager may on a case-by-case basis:

Include all costs (such as rent, mortgage, taxes, and insurance) that the household is required to pay to live there as household shelter costs; or

Exclude part of the costs as self-employment costs and part as shelter costs, provided that no costs are allowed as both self-employment costs and shelter costs. The self-employment costs may be separately identified based on the number of rooms, square feet, etc. If separately identified, only the portion attributed to the household's living space can be included in shelter costs. No portion of the principal attributed to the self-employment enterprise under this option is allowed.

Utilities:

If a farmer's home is on property connected to property used for farming, the case manager must determine if the shelter costs and self-employment costs can be separately identified. Utility costs for a barn are often metered separately from the home, and the cost of a telephone is the same as for other households.

If utilities are measured and billed separately, the household is entitled to the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) or actual utility costs for its residence and to the separately billed self-employment costs as a cost of doing business.

104.85 Shelter Portion of Farm (continued)

If the utility costs cannot be separately identified, the household may not claim actual utility costs. As part of its shelter costs, the household is entitled to SUA if it incurs out-of-pocket heating and cooling costs for the home separately from the rent or mortgage or it receives a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act (MEAP) payment.

If the farmer uses part of his house, such as a separate room or a separate apartment solely for the farm enterprise and there is a central meter, the case manager on a case-by-case basis must:

Allow the household either the SUA or the total actual utility costs for the house as shelter costs, but no self-employment exclusion; or

Allow the household to claim actual utility costs prorated between shelter costs and self-employment costs. The SUA cannot be used under this option.

104.86 Garnishments and Bankruptcy for Farmers

Garnishments have no effect on the treatment of self-employment income, i.e. the total gross amount is counted in the income computation. The amount garnished is not an income exclusion.

The self-employment income of farmers who have declared bankruptcy is computed the same as the self-employment income of other farmers. There are different types of bankruptcies.

Some allow people to continue to do the same kind of business and others do not. If the person continues to earn self-

employment income, the gross amount minus allowable expenses are counted.

Sometimes the total amount of income goes to a trustee, and from this amount, he pays the bills and gives the farmer a living allowance. This living allowance is not counted as income because it would result in double counting. No exclusion is allowed for the fees of a trustee or conservator for his services.

In other situations, all of the money goes to the farmer, but he must pay a set amount to a court-appointed person for back debts. This amount is not allowed as an exclusion. An exclusion is allowed only for certain costs in the year in which they are billed or otherwise become due. The household is not entitled to a double exclusion.

Paying off a loan

If a farmer sells equipment and uses the proceeds to pay off a loan, the money is income to the farmer.

If he or she sells equipment and the proceeds are diverted to a bank to repay a loan, the money is counted as income to the farmer.

If he or she voluntarily turns over collateral to a bank, and the bank sells the collateral to pay off a loan, the proceeds of the sale are not counted as income to the farmer. Once the collateral is turned over to the bank, it becomes the legal property of the bank.

If a farmer holds the title to property and sells the property, any proceeds from the sale are counted as income to him/her.

If the farmer gives the title to the bank or if the property is repossessed prior to sale and the bank sells the property, the proceeds are not counted as income to the household.

If a lender is unable to collect on a farm loan, the lender may write all or part of it off or "forgive" the outstanding balance. The forgiven portion is not counted as income to the household.

104.87 Farm Losses Offset Against Other Income

If the costs of producing self-employment farm income exceed the gross farm income, such losses are offset against other countable income.

To qualify for this offset, the person must receive or anticipate receiving annual gross proceeds of $1,000 or more from the farming enterprise.

Monthly net farm self-employment income is computed in the normal manner by taking gross income, subtracting allowable exclusions, and prorating the result over the period the income is intended to cover (usually 12 months). If there is a monthly net farm loss, the offset is made in two phases.

Phase I. The monthly farm loss is offset against the total amount of other net self-employment income computed for that month.

Phase II. If other net self-employment income is not enough to cover the farm loss, the remainder of the farm loss is offset against the total other earned and unearned income for that month. If there is still a net loss, the household is certified based on zero net income. The monthly excess loss is not carried forward to subsequent months.

A fisherman is equivalent to a self-employed farmer for purposes of the offset provision if the fisherman is self-employed, rather than an employee, and the fisherman receives or anticipates receiving annual gross proceeds of $1,000 or more from fishing. This applies even if the fisherman is only involved in catching or harvesting the fish. This applies to watermen as well as to other fishermen.

104.88 Specific Types of Payments

Following is guidance for the treatment of specific types of payments:

A Federal gasoline tax credit is excluded from income. (It is a credit against tax liability.)

A State gasoline tax refund is excluded from income on the basis that it is a nonrecurring lump-sum payment. The Federal gasoline tax credit and the State gasoline tax refund may be combined on the same line of the tax form.

Patronage dividends are reported on tax forms. They are paid by cooperatives in cash or shares of stock. These dividends are similar to rebates paid based on the amount of goods bought or services used for the self-employment enterprise. Cash dividends are counted as self-employment income. Dividends in the form of stock are considered a resource for non-categorically eligible households.

Payments received as royalties are counted as unearned income.

Income from rental property is self-employment income.

Disaster assistance payments made as the result of a presidentially declared major disaster or presidentially declared emergency are excluded from income and resources. This applies to Federal assistance provided to persons directly affected and to comparable disaster assistance provided by States, local governments, and disaster assistance organizations.

104.89 Earned Income Deduction

If a household has a monthly net self-employment income gain after the 50% cost-to-produce deduction or a farm loss offset, if the household is entitled to a 20% earned income deduction from the net self-employment amount. If there is a net self-employment income loss, the household is not entitled to an earned income deduction from self-employment income.

If a household has earned income that is not from self-employment, the earned income deduction from that income is computed based on the amount before the 50% cost to produce deduction or farm loss offset, is made.

104.891 Verification

The farmer's or business owner’s most recent income tax forms and schedules are normally good sources of verification for self-employment income and expenses. However, other sources may be used. If the tax form is questionable or not

104.891 Verification (continued)

available, the case manager must ask to see other documents that support the income and expenses that the household has reported.

Other sources of verification may include, but are not limited to, ledgers, charge account statements, sales slips, canceled checks, invoices, purchase orders, and

cash receipts. In documenting this verification, the case manager should record the date, identify the other party or company, describe the expense or income, and record the amount, taxes, and discounts, if any.

In some instances, such as anticipated changes or a new business, it may be necessary to obtain information from collateral contacts.

If a bankruptcy action has been initiated, the case manager may get a statement from the bankruptcy trustee regarding the debt reorganization plan concerning the accessibility of assets and the anticipated gross income and expenses.

104.892 Making Changes

When income has been annualized and changes are reported during the 12-month period, the State agency must make adjustments. The following are some examples.

This household filed its income tax return in February and applied for SNAP benefits in February. It is subject to simplified reporting. The household did not choose to have the income prorated in uneven amounts.

Original Certification:

$16,000 crop income

- 8,000 50% self-employment deduction (actual farm expenses were $4000)

$ 8,000 divided by 12 months = $667 net per month for February through January of the following year.

Due to a drought, the household reported on July 20 that it expected to only get $10,000 from the sale of crops for the year. The case manager must re-annualize the income over the same 12-month period that was used at the time of certification or recertification using the new income amount.

1st Change:

$10,000 crop income

- 5,000 farm expenses (50% self-employment deduction)

$ 5,000 divided by 12 months = $417 net per month for August through January of the following year.

104.892 Making Changes (continued)

The household came in on August 1 and reported a second change. It reported that it expected to receive an additional $2,400 payment in September from the sale of crops on land that it recently purchased. The case manager must re-annualize again over the same 12-month period that was used at the time of certification or recertification based on the most recent information available.

2nd Change:

$10,000 crop income

+ 2,400 additional crop income

12,400 total gross income

- 6,200 expenses

$ 6,200 divided by 12 months = $517 net per month for September through January in lieu of all previously computed amounts. A Notice of Adverse Action must be sent in August.

The end result is that this household will be certified with net monthly farm income of $667 for February - July, $417 for August, and $517 for September - January.

If her income and expenses were annualized and a person leaves the hairdressing salon where she rents a chair during the 12-month period, the case manager should stop counting the self-employment income when the last income is received from that source. For example, the hairdresser reported the first of September that she planned to leave the salon in October and take a job the first of November as an employee in another salon. Her hairdressing self-employment income had already been included in the average amount. The averaged amount of income would continue to be counted for October. No self-employment income would be counted for November, but her earned income from the new salon would be counted.

If a household is expected to receive residual income after the person stops being actively engaged in a business enterprise and the amount of income is expected to be substantially more or less than that previously averaged, the case manager must calculate the residual income based on the anticipated monthly amounts. For example, the annualized self-employment income resulted in an average monthly amount of $400. On June 5, the person reported that he would not be actively engaged in farming after June and would not receive any additional income from that source except that a person who bought some hay owes him $100 in July and $200 in August. The person does not anticipate any future expenses. In this case, the case manager would stop counting the $400 monthly amount after June’s issuance and calculate future self- employment income based on the amount anticipated to be received each month. The case manager could count $100 as self-employment income for July and $200 self-employment income for August, or the anticipated fluctuating income could be averaged over the remainder of the certification period.

104.9 IRS Forms

104.91 1099 MISC

104.92 Schedule C

105.1 Purpose

This section describes the treatment of income received by households with boarders as defined in Section 100.4 (Boarders) of this Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) manual.

105.2 General Information

Income received by households with boarders in both commercial and non-commercial board situations is considered self-employment income.

Persons residing in a commercial boarding house (establishments licensed as an enterprise that offers meals and lodging for compensation) are considered boarders regardless of the compensation they pay.

Persons residing in a non-commercial boarding house are considered boarders if they pay reasonable monthly compensation for their meals and lodging as described in Section 100.4 of this manual.

105.3 Income from Boarders

105.4 Allowable Costs of Doing Business

Exclude the portion of the boarder payment that is a cost-to-do business when determining the income received from boarders.

The amount allowed as the cost-to-do business is 50% of the proprietor’s gross monthly receipts received from boarders.

105.5 Computing Income

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106.1 Purpose Individuals who are identified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) may not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they have received SNAP benefits for more than three (3) countable months during a set 3 year (36 month) period except under certain circumstances detailed in this policy. 106.2 General Requirements ABAWD requirements apply statewide unless a particular area is awarded a waiver by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The current 36 month period began July 1, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2026. A new 36 month period will begin on July 1, 2026. During these 3 year spans, an individual who is an ABAWD is only eligible for 3 months of SNAP benefits without being in compliance with or exempt from work requirements. Once their 3 months are used, the ABAWD is not eligible for SNAP benefits (including Expedited SNAP) until they either are in compliance with work requirements (detailed below in section 106.6) or meet an ABAWD exception. See section 106.10 for more information about regaining SNAP eligibility. A. Countable months are months where an individual receives SNAP benefits for the full month while not: a. Exempt from work activity due to one (1) of the exemptions/exceptions listed in section 106.4, b. Covered by a waiver awarded by FNS, c. Fulfilling the work requirements detailed in section 106.6, d. Receiving prorated benefits for a part of a month, or e. In the month of notification from a SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) provider determining non-compliance or unsuitability of the individual. B. Countable months do not have to be consecutive. 106.3 Screening Screening is critical to the successful implementation of ABAWD policy and is required at each SNAP application and redetermination or when adding an individual to an active SNAP case. Identifying customers who are not subject to ABAWD requirements can help local departments reduce the number of customers who must be tracked and monitored for compliance with work REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.3 Screening (continued) requirements. Failure to screen individuals may result in households being under or overpaid SNAP benefits. Payment errors will count toward our Quality Control (QC) payment error rate. The Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) system is automated to complete ABAWD screening for each individual based on the case information entered. A Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) may elect to use an ABAWD screening tool separate from E&E. A printable copy of a screening tool is available for the LDSS office, SNAP outreach partners, and other community partners who assist us with screening when they complete an application for a customer requesting SNAP benefits. Whenever a screening tool is used, it must be scanned or uploaded to Case Documents. NOTE: Remember that if the information in E&E is not correct and/or verification is not scanned and uploaded into Case Documents, it is the same as if it doesn’t exist. 106.4 ABAWD Exceptions The 3 month ABAWD time limit does not apply to an individual if they are: A. Under age 18, B. Age 65 or older, C. Determined by the state agency to be medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment. An individual is medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment if they: a. Are receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources, b. Is obviously mentally or physically unfit for employment as determined by the state agency or eligibility worker, c. If the unfitness is not obvious, they provide a statement from a (licensed) physician, physician’s assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, designated representative of the physician’s office, psychologist, social worker, or any other medical

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.4 ABAWD Exceptions (continued) personnel the state agency determines appropriate, that they are physically or mentally unfit for employment. D. Residing in the household of a member under age 14, even if the household member who is under 14 is not eligible for SNAP themselves, a. This exception expires the month after the youngest child in the SNAP household turns 14. E. Pregnant, F. Exempt from Work Registration for one of the following reasons: a. Experiencing physical or mental barriers to work, b. Responsible for the care of a child under age 6 or a person who needs help caring for themselves, c. Going to school, college, or a training program at least half-time (student policy prevails), d. Receiving or have applied for unemployment benefits, e. Meeting the work requirements for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), f. Working 30 hours or more per week or earning at least $217.50 per week (federal minimum wage times 30 hours), or g. Participating in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. G. Indian: Any individual who is: a. A member (or whose parents or grandparents were) of an Indian tribe, even if they are not currently recognized by the federal government right now or if they were terminated, b. An Alaska Native (including Eskimos, Aleuts, or other Alaska Natives), c. Considered an Indian by the Secretary of the Interior, or REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.4 ABAWD Exceptions (continued) d. Determined to be an Indian under regulations by the Secretary of the Interior. H. California Indian: Any individual who is: a. A member of a federally recognized California Indian tribe, b. A descendant of an Indian who was residing in California on June 1, 1852, if the descendant is either part of a local Indian community program or is considered an Indian by their community, c. An Indian who holds trust interests in public land, national forest land, or reservation allotments in California, or d. Listed for asset distribution from California reservations under the Act of August 18, 1958, or if they are a descendant of someone on that list. I. Urban Indian: Any individual who is an Indian (as defined above) AND is living in any community that the Secretary of the Interior determines has enough of an urban Indian population with unmet health needs to warrant assistance. J. Each year, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) awards every state an allotment of Discretionary Exemptions with the goal to prevent SNAP recipients from losing benefits due to their inability to find appropriate work activities. A Discretionary Exemption is counted for each month used by each ABAWD individual. Discretionary Exemptions are exclusively applicable to ABAWDs who do not qualify for any other exemption or exception as outlined in the ABAWD policy. Reminder: Verification is only required in instances where information is questionable. See SNAP Manual Section 408 Verification for additional information. 106.5 Notices Once an ABAWD is identified, the agency is required to inform them of the ABAWD work requirement and the three month ABAWD time limit both in writing and orally. An eligibility worker must provide a verbal explanation of the work requirements and rule out available exceptions. To satisfy the REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.5 Notices (continued) written component, E&E will automatically generate a Consolidated Work Notice as part of the SNAP approval letter once the case is finalized. Warning notices are automatically generated when an ABAWD uses a countable month. The notice explains the work requirements and informs the customer of the number of months remaining out of the 3 month ABAWD time limit. 106.6 Meeting Work Requirements An ABAWD is compliant with work requirements when they have documented that they participate in any combination of the following work activities for a total of 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month. A. Working (at a job or self-employed), NOTE: Self-employed ABAWDs who are working only 20 hours a week must register for work. Working 20 hours per week meets the ABAWD requirement, but not the Work Registration requirements. Self-employed ABAWDs are not exempt from Work Registration unless they are working at least 30 hours per week. B. Participating in and complying with a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program, or SNAP Employment and Training program (other than job search or job search training program), C. Participating in a work experience program governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements, or D. Volunteering at a non-profit organization.

NOTE: ABAWD customers follow simplified reporting requirements and must report if their work activity hours drop below 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. ABAWD customers must also verify weekly participation in a work activity if the activities are outside of a SNAP E&T training program (local in-house programs and third-party partners). REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.7 Work Activity Tracking When the SNAP case is finalized, E&E will automatically transmit case information to WORKS, the system that Maryland uses to track work activity and compliance. For ABAWDs that are not meeting the work requirement through employment and are not exempt, work activity is managed in WORKS by the LDSS or a SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) vendor contracted by the state.

106.8 Good Cause If an ABAWD would have fulfilled the ABAWD work requirement but missed some hours for good cause, the agency may consider the ABAWD to have fulfilled the requirement as long as the absence is temporary and they expect to return to the activity. A. If the ABAWD is granted good cause, the eligibility worker must narrate the reason thoroughly in E&E. B. Verification is only required if the situation is questionable. C. Good cause includes circumstances beyond the ABAWD's control such as, but not limited to: a. Illness, b. Illness of another household member requiring the presence of the member, c. A household emergency, or d. The unavailability of transportation. 106.9 Verifying Work Activities Once an employer or vendor verifies that the ABAWD is meeting the ABAWD work requirements, ongoing verification throughout the certification period is not required. ABAWDs follow simplified reporting requirements with the additional requirement to inform the agency if their participation hours drop below 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month. DHS created two forms for the LDSS and/or vendor to use to verify ABAWD work activity information. Workers must assist the customer in completing their portion of the form, if necessary. Completed forms must be returned to REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.9 Verifying Work Activities (continued) the LDSS and are accepted by mail, fax, in-person, or by uploading them directly into the Maryland Benefits Consumer Portal. A. The Verification of Participation in an Activity form (FIA 500-B) contains two sections that require both the customer and the customer’s supervisor to complete. The supervisor’s signature is also required in each section. B. The Verification of Disability form (FIA 500-A) contains one section that the customer completes, and a second section that must be completed and signed by a certified, licensed health professional. A physician does not have to sign the form. Examples of acceptable non-physician health care providers include, but are not limited to: Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), midwives, Registered Nurse Practitioners (RNP), therapists, and acupuncturists. Reminder: An obvious or an otherwise known disability does not require verification. Eligibility workers have discretion when applying an ABAWD exemption due to a disability. Eligibility workers are required to narrate all actions and include the type of disability exemption in E&E. 106.10 Regaining Eligibility A. When an ABAWD uses the third countable month of the 3 month time limit because they are not exempt from work requirements and are not meeting the work requirements, E&E will automatically close the SNAP case. The ABAWD customer will regain eligibility for SNAP benefits after the date the case closes by re-applying for SNAP and: a. Verifying that they worked or participated in a work activity for 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month in the last 30 days or b. Meeting the criteria for an exemption. B. ABAWD Notices, mailed to the customer each month during their 3 month ABAWD time limit, explain how the customer can re-apply to regain eligibility. REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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106.10 Regaining Eligibility (continued) C. Once eligibility is regained, the ABAWD is eligible for continued SNAP benefits as long as they continue to meet the ABAWD requirements. D. If eligibility was regained through employment and the ABAWD subsequently stops meeting the work requirements again, they are eligible for one set of 3 additional months of consecutive SNAP benefits beginning the next month. Example: Ms. Forrester used all three months in her three month ABAWD time limit in July 2023, and then in April 2024, and May 2024. Her SNAP case closed on May 31st because she was not meeting SNAP work requirements. In July 2024, Ms. Forrester reapplied for SNAP benefits. She verified that she was working 40 hours per week beginning June 2024 and was laid off of work and is not eligible for Unemployment Insurance. She is eligible for her second 3 ABAWD months of benefits in September 2024, October 2024 and November 2024. She must meet ABAWD work requirements to continue to receive benefits after that time.

Reminder: ABAWDs must comply with or be exempt from work requirements before receiving any additional SNAP benefits (including Expedited SNAP) after using their 3 ABAWD months (and 3 additional months, if applicable).

106.11 Reporting Changes ABAWDs are subject to simplified reporting with the exception of reporting when their work hours drop below 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month. ABAWDs must also verify their weekly activity hours completed outside of a SNAP E&T Program. 106.12 Benefits Received in Error If a customer who is subject to the ABAWD work requirement receives SNAP benefits when they are not eligible, then the benefits are overpaid. The customer must repay the SNAP benefits received in error whether the agency or the customer made the mistake. The eligibility worker must process the benefit error in E&E. For detailed procedures on overpayments, please see Section 490 of this manual on Claims.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

107.1 Purpose

This section describes the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) and the Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNAP).

107.2 General Information

Maryland has approved waivers to operate two projects for the elderly (defined as age 60 and over):

MSNAP, a Combined Application Project in effect since July 1, 2010, simplifies the application process for elderly and disabled people approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; and,

ESAP, in effect since November 1, 2016, simplifies the application and verification processes for elderly applicants who have no earned income.

Both MSNAP and ESAP have 36 month certification periods.

MSNAP requires no interview and verification is accomplished through computer matches. ESAP requires an interview at application for applicants who are not already receiving SNAP, but no interview at redetermination.

107.3 MSNAP Policy and Procedures

MSNAP is a demonstration project approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). See SNAP Manual Section 107 for a complete description of MSNAP.

MSNAP improves the way food assistance is delivered to elderly individuals, age 60 or older, who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

MSNAP simplifies the application process for both participants and local department staff.

107.31 MSNAP Household Composition

An MSNAP household is an individual who the Social Security Administration has determined is eligible for SSI, and:

Is not currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)benefits

107.31 MSNAP Household Composition (continued)

Is living alone or if living with others is purchasing and preparing meals separately

Has no earned income

Is a Maryland resident

107.32 Operating Procedures

The Family Investment Administration (FIA) identifies these individuals through a match with (SSA’s) SDX files from the SDX/SVES system.

This match identifies eligible individuals by matching specific:

Living arrangement codes, and

Determines that the applicant is not a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipient.

The FIA central office sends the identified individuals an application.

107.33 Application Procedures

The database records the dates of application mailings. If the customer does not return the application, a second application is sent.

If there is no response to the second application, no further applications are sent.

Current SNAP recipients are not converted to MSNAP. Only customers identified in the match can apply for the program.

Applicants who wish to enroll in MSNAP complete and sign the simplified application and return it to the designated office.

Applicants are alerted to the fact that they may be eligible for a higher benefit under the regular SNAP program.

Benefits begin the first day of the month the application is received from the applicant. If there is an agency delay in completing the application, the local department must issue restored benefits.

The certification period for these households is for 36 months. The E&E System generates notices to inform applicants of their eligibility.

107.33 Application Procedures (continued)

The applicant receives an EBT card in the mail.

There is no expedited SNAP processing for this project.

The case manager processes all applications without an interview unless information is unclear, in which case a telephone interview is completed.

MSNAP applicants can apply for the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program if they believe they will receive a greater benefit. Please be sure to inform applicants who have high medical expenses or shelter costs that they may receive greater benefits under the regular SNAP.

107.34 Allotment

Households with shelter costs at or above $506 receive the higher amount of $217. Households with shelter costs below this amount receive the lower benefit amount of 132.

Shelter costs include all ongoing shelter expenses, including the appropriate utility allowances.

Examples:

#1 Mr. A receives SSI and lives by himself in public housing. His rent is $50 and he is responsible for his heating bill. His shelter cost a total of $464 ($50 + $414). He would receive a $132 allotment.

#2 Mrs. B receives SSI and although her daughter lives in the home, she purchases and prepares her food separately. The rent for the house is $800, which they split and they share utilities. Mrs. C’s shelter cost of $814 ($400 + $414), she will receive a $217 allotment.

NOTE: Mrs. B also has a large out of pocket medical expense for an item not covered under Medicaid. Although this expense will not change the MSNAP benefit, her case manager helped her determine that she would still receive more under MSNAP than under the regular SNAP.

107.35 Verification Process

MSNAP verification is fulfilled by using SDX data verified under SSI regulations. Any household that meets the verification criteria for SSI and additional State criteria meets the verification requirements for MSNAP.

Verification of shelter is done only in questionable situations.

107.36 Recertification and Change Reporting

Recertification:

The certification period for MSNAP participants is 36 months.

During the 34th month, a mail-in recertification form is mailed to each household.

The household must complete and return the form by the end of the 36th month or benefits will stop.

If the household returns the form in the 37th month, the case is reopened with no proration of benefits.

Change Reporting:

MSNAP recipients are not required to report changes during the certification period. The SDX update process satisfies the reporting requirements for this project. If the recipient does report a change, the case manager must take action on it.

MSNAP recipients are not required to report changes in their shelter costs to the local department. If a shelter change is reported and the change would move the household from one allotment to the other, the case manager is required to act on the reported change in shelter.

107.37 Administrative Hearings

Administrative Hearing requests for MSNAP are treated the same as any other request.

107.38 Quality Control

MSNAP cases are included in the Quality Control (QC) sample and reviewed under the rules of the demonstration project. QC reviews the following areas:

Active error rate

Completion rate

Payment error rate

Negative error rate

The amount of any over or under issuance

Any variance exclusions that apply to the SNAP apply to this project. Variances arising from incorrect information provided by SSA that the State used to determine household MSNAP eligibility or benefit level are excluded as long as the State processed the information correctly. This exclusion applies even if the household reported incorrect information to SSA.

107.4 ESAP Policy and Procedures

The Elderly Simplified Application Project is a five-year demonstration project operated under a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It applies to people sixty years old or older who have no earned income.

ESAP applications can be filed through myMDTHINK or a paper application. When a customer or a customer’s authorized representative comes to a local department to file an application, encourage them to use myMDTHINK to apply for SNAP. The logic within myMDTHINK will automatically screen the customer for ESAP (at least 60 years old with no earned income).

If the customer opts to fill out a paper application, use the ESAP application, which can be found on Knowledge Base (KB). Customers may also fill out the 9701 application. If a customer applies for SNAP and another FIA benefit program through myMDTHINK.

NOTE: The ESAP application signature page is located at the end of the Rights and Responsibilities. Customers must sign the application.

The E&E System will automatically convert existing SNAP cases to an ESAP case for individuals who are 60 or older and have no earned income.

Interviews at initial certification are required. Interviews at recertification are not required unless the case is denied. No case may be denied without an attempt to schedule an interview. In all cases, telephone interviews are preferred. Simplifying the application process includes NOT requiring the customer to come into the office.

107.4 ESAP Policy and Procedures (continued)

ESAP has reduced verification requirements for customers. Case managers in the central unit and local departments are responsible for obtaining verifications through computer matches and system clearances. The customer may verify required information that is questionable.

ESAP-eligible customers are not required to verify unearned income, household size, residency, identity, and shelter expenses, unless questionable.

Use computer matches to verify the information. Systems such as SOLQ, SDX, MABS, and the WORK Number verify income, identity, and social security numbers.

Verify medical expenses to allow the customer the medical expense deduction. When medical expenses are not verified, request verification from the customer.

ESAP customers have an extended certification period of 36 months.

An annual contact with ESAP households is required.

The E&E System sends out an MBR for at the 12 and 24-month to contact the customers. The contact form must be returned to the LDSS or the case will be closed. No interview is required.

If the local department must send the contact form, it can be found on Knowledge Base.

If an ESAP customer requests a fair hearing, the hearing can be completed by telephone. The customer does not have to appear in person for a hearing. Just like in-person hearings, all required representatives must attend telephonic hearings.

ESAP cases will be included in the Quality Control (QC) sample and reviewed under regular QC rules, as the demonstration project does not significantly modify the rules for determining households’ eligibility or allotment level.

108.1 Purpose

This section describes the procedures for handling cases with nonmembers in the household.

108.2 General Information

In certain cases, not every person in a household is eligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

One or more people living in the household may be nonmembers, ineligible, or disqualified from the SNAP because of a non-financial eligibility factor.

Income and resources of a nonmember are treated differently depending on the reason for the ineligibility.

108.3 Nonmembers of a Household

Do not include the following individuals in a SNAP household except as required in Section 100.3 of this manual.

Roomer. An individual to whom a household furnishes lodging, but not meals, for compensation (See Section 100.8).

Live-in attendant. An individual who resides with a household to provide medical, housekeeping, childcare, or similar services (See section 100.8).

Boarder. An individual who pays a reasonable amount for meals and lodging (See Section 105).

Other. Other individuals who share living quarters with the household but who do not customarily purchase and prepare meals with the household.

These individuals (if otherwise eligible) may participate as separate households. Boarders may not participate independently of the household providing the boarding service.

Do not include these individuals in determining household size, eligibility, or SNAP benefit level.

Do not consider the income and resources of these individuals available to the household with whom they live.

108.3 Nonmembers of a Household (continued)

Include as self-employment income to the household any payments from the nonmember.

If the household shares deductible expenses with a nonmember, deduct only the amount actually paid or contributed by the household as a household expense. If the payments cannot be differentiated, prorate the expenses evenly among persons actually paying or contributing to the expense and deduct only the household’s pro-rata share.

When the earned income of one or more household members and the earned income of a nonmember are combined into one wage, determine the income as follows:

If the household’s share can be identified, count the portion due to the household as income.

If the household’s share cannot be identified, prorate the earned income among all those for whom it was intended to cover, and count the prorated portion to the household.

108.4 Ineligible Members

Some household members are ineligible to receive SNAP benefits because of SNAP rules. Others are ineligible for such reasons as being disqualified for committing an intentional program violation (IPV) or for refusing to comply with a requirement. Ineligible individuals include the following:

Individuals who do not meet the eligible student requirements in section 102.

Individuals who do not meet the citizenship or eligible immigrant status of section 120.

Individuals disqualified for an intentional program violation as described in section 480.

Individuals disqualified for failure to provide a social security number as described in section 405.

Individuals disqualified for noncompliance with work requirements as described in section 130.

Able-bodied adults without dependent children who fail to comply with the work requirement as described in section 130.

108.4 Ineligible Members (continued)

During any period the individual is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction for a felony, or violating a condition of probation or parole.

Individuals, if convicted for an offense that occurred after August 22, 1996, that is classified as a drug kingpin or volume dealer drug felony committed after October 1, 2017, as described in Section 100.7.I.

Individuals convicted in a court or by an administrative disqualification hearing to have made a fraudulent statement with respect to residence or identity of the individual in order to receive multiple benefits simultaneously.

Individuals convicted by a court of trafficking SNAP benefits of $500 or more.

108.5 Treatment of Income, Deductions, and Resources of:

Individuals who do not Meet the Citizenship or Eligible Immigrant Status,

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who are not Meeting the Work Requirements, and

Individuals Disqualified for Failure to Provide a Social Security Number.

During the period of time the member is ineligible, treat the income and resources of ineligible immigrants, able-bodied adults without dependents who are not meeting the work requirement and individuals not included in the household for failure to provide or apply for a social security number as follows:

Resources – Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household.

Income – Count a pro-rata share of the ineligible member’s income to the remaining household members. Determine the pro-rata share as follows:

Subtract the allowable excluded income (see section 211) from the ineligible member’s total income.

Divide the income evenly among the household members, including the ineligible members.

Count as income for the remaining members all but the ineligible member’s share.

108.5 Treatment of Income, Deductions, and Resources of:

Individuals who do not Meet the Citizenship or Eligible Immigrant Status,

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who are not Meeting the Work Requirements, and

Individuals Disqualified for Failure to Provide a Social Security Number (continued)

EXAMPLE: A disqualified member’s monthly income is $200 after subtracting excluded income. Three persons are in the SNAP household, not including the ineligible member. When divided by 4, the pro-rata share for each member is $50. Do not count the ineligible member’s share. Include $150 as available income to the household.

Deductible Expenses

Apply the 20 percent earned income deduction to the attributed portion of the ineligible member’s earned income.

Allow a pro-rata portion of any allowable child support, shelter and dependent care that are either paid by or billed to the ineligible member. Divide the deductible expense evenly among the household members including the ineligible member.

Count all but the disqualified member’s portion as a deduction for the remaining members.

EXAMPLE: A disqualified member has gross earned income of $200 monthly and pays $60 toward the rent and $20 towards utilities. The household contains three persons plus the disqualified member. The household’s pro-rata share of the income is $150. The pro-rata shares of rent and utilities are $45 and $15, respectively. The $150 is included in the household’s gross monthly income. Because it is earned income, the household is entitled to the 20% earned income deduction. The household’s pro-rata share of the ineligible member’s shelter expenses, or $60, is counted as a deductible shelter expense in the SNAP computation.

NOTE: If the person disqualified was entitled to a medical expense deduction, the household is not entitled to any portion of this person’s deduction during the disqualification period. Also, if the disqualified person is the only elderly/disabled member of the household, the household is not entitled to the special shelter deduction.

108.5 Treatment of Income, Deductions, and Resources of:

Individuals who do not Meet the Citizenship or Eligible Immigrant Status,

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who are not Meeting the Work Requirements, and

Individuals Disqualified for Failure to Provide a Social Security Number (continued)

EXAMPLE: The disqualified elderly/disabled member has gross unearned income of $210 monthly and pays $60 toward rent and $50 toward utilities. The disqualified individual has $60 per month medical expenses. The household normally contains two persons plus the ineligible person. Neither of the other persons is elderly/disabled. Total rent for the three persons is $200 and utilities are $80. During the period of ineligibility:

$140 is attributed to the household as income. ($210÷3=$70x2=$140)

No medical expenses are allowed.

The household is allowed $180 for rent – the eligible member’s share ($200-$60=$140) plus the prorated share from the ineligible member ($60÷3=$20x2=40)

The household is allowed $63 for utilities – The eligible member’s share ($80-$50=$30) plus the prorated share from the ineligible member ($50÷3=$16.66x2=33)

The household is also subject to the cap on the shelter deduction.

108.6 Treatment of Income and Resources of a Member who is Ineligible Because of a Disqualification

Disqualified individuals include:

An individual disqualified for an intentional program violation as described in section 480.

An individual disqualified for noncompliance with work requirements as described in section 130.

An individual during any period the individual is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction for a felony, or violating a condition of probation or parole as described in section 480.

An individual if convicted of an offense occurring after August 22, 1996, that is classified as a felony, and which has an element of possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance except as described in section 100.7.I.

108.6 Treatment of Income and Resources of a Member who is Ineligible Because of a Disqualification (continued)

An individual convicted in a court or by an administrative disqualification hearing to have made a fraudulent statement with respect to residence or identity of the individual in order to receive multiple benefits simultaneously as described in section 480.

An individual convicted by a court of trafficking SNAP benefits of $500 or more as described in section 480.

Once a disqualification penalty is imposed or a person becomes ineligible for a reason listed in 108.6A, the household cannot say the individual is a separate SNAP household. Continue to count the disqualified member’s income and resources until the disqualification period or period of ineligibility ends. However, if the disqualified member physically moves out of the home, the household must report this change. At that point, the member’s income and resources are not counted.

During the period the member is ineligible, determine the eligibility and SNAP benefit level for any remaining household members as follows:

Resources – Consider as available to the household the total value of the resources of the ineligible member.

Income – Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety.

Deductions – The entire household’s allowable earned income deduction, standard deduction, medical deduction, dependent care deduction, child support deduction, and excess shelter deduction continue to apply to the remaining household members.

Do not include the ineligible member when determining the household’s size for the purposes of:

Assigning a benefit level to the household,

Comparing the household’s monthly income with the income eligibility standards, or

Comparing the household’s resources with the resource eligibility limits.

A household’s SNAP allotment cannot increase as a result of the exclusion of one or more household members ineligible for a reason listed in 108.6A.

108.7 Other Ineligible Household Nonmembers

For all other nonmembers of the household, who are not specifically mentioned in 108.5 and 108.6:

Do not consider the income and resources of these individuals as available to the household with whom the individual lives.

Consider cash payments from the nonmembers of the household as income.

The household cannot deduct any portion of household expenses that are paid by the nonmember.

If the household shares deductible expenses with the nonmember, deduct only the amount actually paid or contributed by the household as another household expense. If the payments cannot be differentiated, prorate the expenses evenly among persons actually paying or contributing to the expense and deduct only the household’s pro-rata share.

When the earned income of one or more household members and the earned income of a nonmember are combined into one wage, determine the income as follows:

If the household’s share can be identified, count the portion due to the household as income.

If the household’s share cannot be identified, prorate the earned income among all those whom it was intended to cover and count the prorated portion to the household.

Reminder: Individuals who do not meet the eligible student requirements in Section 102 are nonmembers of the household.

Do not include the nonmember of the household when determining the size of the household for the purposes of:

Assigning a benefit level,

Comparing the household’s monthly income with the income eligibility standards, or

Comparing the household’s resources with the resource eligibility limits.

COUNTING INCOME, RESOURCES AND DEDUCTIONS OF INELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS

Household member ineligible because the individual: | Resources Manual Section 200 | Income Manual Section 210 | Shelter costs other than utilities Manual Section 212 | Utility allowances Manual Section 214 | Other Deductions Manual Section 213 Does not meet citizenship or eligible immigrant status | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count a prorated share of the ineligible member’s income to the eligible household members. | Allow as a deduction a prorated share of rent, mortgage, etc., that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | If the household shares the utilities with the nonmember, do not prorate the SUA or LUA. If there is no sharing, allow as a deduction a prorated share of the amount paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Allow as a deduction a prorated share of any child support or dependent care that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. Is an able-bodied adult without dependents and is not meeting the work requirement Failed to provide a social security number Is disqualified for an intentional program violation | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction if paid by or billed to the nonmember. Is not complying with work requirements | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction if paid by or billed to the nonmember.

COUNTING INCOME, RESOURCES AND DEDUCTIONS OF INELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS

Household member ineligible because the individual: | Resources Manual Section 200 | Income Manual Section 210 | Shelter costs other than utilities Manual Section 212 | Utility allowances Manual Section 214 | Other Deductions Manual Section 213 Is fleeing to avoid felony prosecution, custody or confinement, or violating a condition of probation or parole | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction, if paid by or billed to the nonmember. Was convicted of a drug-related felony offense occurring after 8/22/96 and does not meet the requirements in section 100.7I | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction, if paid by or billed to the nonmember. Is an ineligible student | Do not consider resources of these individuals as available to the household. | Do not consider the income of the ineligible individual as available to the household. Include any payments from the nonmember to the eligible household. | Do not deduct any portion of an expense that is paid by the nonmember. If the household shares expenses with the nonmember, deduct only the amount actually paid or contributed by the eligible household members as an expense. Is an individual who is not a member of the SNAP household and is not required to be in the household, other than listed above (roomer, boarder, individuals who share living quarters, but who do not purchase and prepare food together) | If the household shares expenses with the nonmember, deduct only the amount actually paid or contributed by the eligible household members as an expense.

COUNTING INCOME, RESOURCES AND DEDUCTIONS OF INELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS

Household member ineligible because the individual: | Resources Manual Section 200 | Income Manual Section 210 | Shelter costs other than utilities Manual Section 212 | Utility allowances Manual Section 214 | Other Deductions Manual Section 213 Was convicted in court or by an administrative disqualification hearing of making a fraudulent statement about residence or identity in order to receive multiple SNAP benefits | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction, if paid by or billed to the nonmember. Was convicted by a court of trafficking SNAP benefits of $500 or more. | Consider the total value of resources of the excluded member as available to the household. | Count the income of the ineligible member in its entirety. | Count the entire rent amount that is paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire SUA/LUA paid by or billed to the nonmember. | Count the entire allowable earned income, medical, dependent care, or child support deduction, if paid by or billed to the nonmember.

109.1 Purpose

This section identifies special policy provisions that apply to the following households:

109.2 Group Living Arrangements (GLA)

Verify that the center is a non-profit (tax-exempt) facility. The Internal Revenue Service provides written verification of tax status to each approved GLA facility.

If a facility cannot provide written verification of the above, the residents of the facility are not eligible.

Each local office should maintain for worker reference a list of GLA facilities that meet the above criteria.

109.23 Customer Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, a resident of a group living arrangement must be blind or disabled and one of the following:

Receiving benefits under title XVI (SSI) of the Social Security Act or disability or blindness payments under titles I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of the Social Security Act.

109.23 Customer Eligibility Requirements (continued)

Receiving federally or state-administered supplemental benefits under the Social Security Act provided that eligibility is based on disability or blindness criteria under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Receiving disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act.

A veteran with a service-connected (or non-service-connected) disability rated as total by the Veterans Administration (VA) or paid as total by the VA.

A veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran considered by the VA to be in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound under Title 38 of the United States Code.

A surviving child of a veteran and considered by the VA to be permanently incapable of self-support under title 38 of the United States Code.

A surviving spouse or child of a veteran and entitled to compensation for service connected death or pension benefits for a non-service connected death and has a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act.

Receiving an annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and determined to be eligible to receive Medicare by the Railroad Retirement Board.

Receiving an annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and determined to be disabled under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Receiving interim assistance benefits pending the receipt of SSI (long term TDAP), disability-related medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act, or disability-based State general assistance benefits under disability or blindness criteria (short term TDAP).

109.24 Authorized Representative

EXAMPLE: In a GLA facility of 16 there are 8 persons certified using the GLA facility as representatives, 4 using guardians as representatives, and 4 applying on their own behalf as a group. This results in the following household composition:

12 one-person households - 8 using a GLA facility representative plus

4 using guardians as representatives

1 – four-person household

109.25 Determining Eligibility and Benefits

Income

Include any income paid or owed to the household. Income includes, but is not limited to, SSI, Veteran’s benefits, Social Security, Public Assistance to Adults (PAA), Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), and earnings.

Vendor payments made by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) or DHS directly to a provider for a service is not countable if the money is not owed to the household. In some living situations, such as Rehabilitative Residence Programs, grants are made to a provider agency for a package of services to cover the care of the residents of the program. The money is not owed to the client and is not counted as income. It is also not used as a deduction.

Examples:

#1 Ms. Johns is in a GLA. She receives a $579 SSI benefit and a PAA grant of $300. The facility also receives a grant from MDH to help with costs of care. This money is not owed to Ms. Johns. Ms. Johns’ countable income is $879.

109.25 Determining Eligibility and SNAP Benefits (continued)

#2 Mr. Jones is in a CARE program facility. His income is $600 SSA disability and $451 PAA. His countable income is $1051.

#3 Ms. Smith is in an Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) Group Home. She receives $545 SSA benefits as a disabled child. She works in a sheltered workshop earning an average of $5 weekly. Her countable income is $565.

#4 Mr. Jackson is in a Rehabilitative Residence, which meets the definition of a GLA. He receives an $82 personal needs allowance and $560 SSA. His countable income is $642.

Shelter Costs and Medical Expenses

The operator of the GLA is the resident’s landlord and provider of certain medical services.

Room and Medical costs that are separately identified are allowable shelter and medical expenses.

Example: Ms. Smith lives in a GLA. She receives SSI of $579 per month. She pays $450.00 per month to the GLA. The GLA states $250.00 of this money is the charge for shelter. The GLA verifies that the balance of $200.00 is the charge for medical services (attendant care, health aide, and medical transportation). Budgeting for this applicant is: $579 income, $165.00 ($200 - $35=$165. The E&E System will do this calculation) medical expense, and $250.00 shelter expense.

Normally the GLA will identify the charge for each of the separate costs. If the GLA combines the amount the resident pays for room and meals into one amount and the GLA cannot itemize the charges, use the amount that exceeds the SNAP maximum allotment as the allowable shelter cost.

109.25 Determining Eligibility and Benefits (continued)

If the GLA incorrectly includes PAA personal needs allowance as shelter cost on the rent form, you must subtract the $82 before entering the shelter costs on the system.

Example: The CARE Home facility that Mr. Jones lives in provided a rent verification form that listed his total income $879 ($579 SSI and $300 PAA grant) as the cost for shelter and meals. The case manager subtracts the maximum SNAP allotment of $149 and the $82 personal needs allowance to calculate the shelter cost and enters $648 on the Shelter Expense screen in E&E..

If the GLA does not separately identify the amounts paid for medical and shelter costs do not allow a deduction for the cost. In most instances, a provider will identify the costs separately, if applicable, as either shelter and/or medical. Use the provider’s verification of the breakdown of costs unless questionable.

The medical provider must verify medical expenses. The person, agency, or organization that provides a service is the correct source of verification of an expense.

The GLA is the correct source of verification of the costs of attendant care that the GLA provides. If an agency other than the GLA provides the attendant care the agency providing the service is the source of verification.

Some GLAs keep an accounting of medical expenses that it pays on behalf of the resident. The case manager can use this information to determine medical expenses, unless it is questionable. If the GLA does not keep an accounting of the medical bills the case manager must get verification directly from the provider. For example, the customer has to go to the doctor every month, the case manager must verify the charge for the doctor visits with a bill or statement from the doctor’s office.

109.26 Use of SNAP Allotment

When residents normally obtain their meals at a central location as part of the GLA services; or

109.26 Use of SNAP Allotment (continued)

If meals are prepared at a central location for delivery to the individual residents.

109.27 Responsibilities of GLA Facility

Notify the local office of the resident’s departure.

Give the former resident his or her Independence card.

Give the departing resident his or her full allotment if issued and if nothing has been spent on his or her behalf. This procedure is applicable at any time during the month.

If benefits have been issued and any portion spent on behalf of the individual, the amount the former resident receives is contingent upon the departure date.

If the individual leaves the GLA within 16 days of the receipt of the SNAP benefit, he/she is entitled to one-half of the monthly allotment.

If the individual leaves the GLA on or after 16 days following receipt of the SNAP benefit, he or she will receive nothing.

If the individual leaving the GLA has been certified with a group of residents as one household, allow a pro-rata share of one-half of the allotment when the individual leaves prior to the 16th day after receipt of the month’s SNAP.

109.27 Responsibilities of GLA Facility (continued)

The GLA, if possible, shall provide the household with a change report form to report the new address and other circumstances following departure from the facility. It should advise the household to return the form to the appropriate local department within 10 days.

109.28 GLA Center Responsibility and Liability

109.29 Misuse of SNAP Funds

109.3 Veterans and Surviving Spouses/Children

The special policies that apply to elderly and/or disabled household members (uncapped shelter, medical deduction, and potential separate household status) are extended to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses or children.

109.31 Eligible Persons

A veteran with a service-connected (or non-service-connected) disability rated as total by the Veterans Administration (VA) or paid as total by the VA.

A veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran considered by the VA to be in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound under Title 38 of the United States Code.

A surviving child of a veteran and considered by the VA to be permanently incapable of self-support under title 38 of the United States Code.

A surviving spouse or child of a veteran and entitled to compensation for service connected death or pension benefits for a non-service connected death and has a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act.

109.32 Permanent Disabilities under the Social Security Act

Permanent loss of use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot.

Amputation of a leg at the hip

Amputation of leg or foot because of diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular diseases

Total deafness, not correctable by surgery or hearing aid

Statutory blindness, except if due to cataracts or detached retina

IQ 59 or less, established after attaining age 16

Spinal cord or nerve root lesions resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia

109.32 Permanent Disabilities under the Social Security Act (continued)

Multiple sclerosis in which there is damage to the nervous system because of scattered areas of inflammation which recurs and has progressed to varied interference with the function of the nervous system, including severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and vision and speech defects.

Muscular dystrophy with irreversible wasting of the muscles with a significant effect on the ability to use the arms and/or legs.

Impaired renal function due to chronic renal disease (documented by persistent adverse objective findings) resulting in severely reduced kidney function which may require dialysis or kidney transplant.

Amputation of limb, current age 55 or older.

Verification

109.4 Elderly and Disabled Living with Others

109.41 Definition

Elderly individuals 60 years of age or older (and their spouses) who are unable to purchase and prepare their own meals because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act, or some other permanent physical or mental non-disease-related disability, and who are living and eating with others, maybe considered an individual household.

109.42 Determining Individual Household Status

109.42 Determining Individual Household Status (continued)

Prorate any shared expenses between the households and allow the expense to whoever incurs it.

Example: Mr. Smith lives with his daughter and her two children. He is 65 years old and is unable to purchase and prepare his meals on his own because he is blind. The daughter’s monthly income is $2500. Since this is less than the amount in column C of the Standards of Income and Deductions Chart, Mr. Smith can be considered a separate household.

109.43 Determining Disability

109.5 Residents of Treatment Centers for Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

109.51 Verification of Facility Status

109.52 Eligible Persons

109.53 Authorized Representatives

109.54 Processing Provisions for Residents of Treatment Centers

Process changes in household circumstances and recertifications by using the same standards that apply to all other SNAP households.

Resident Rights

Budgeting

109.57 Responsibilities of Treatment Centers

A statement signed by a responsible center official attesting to the validity of the list.

A list will be submitted on a monthly or semimonthly basis as required by the local office.

109.57 Responsibilities of Treatment Centers (continued)

109.58 Treatment Center Responsibility and Liability

109.59 Misuse of SNAP Funds

109.6 Residents of Homeless Shelters

Persons in a homeless shelter are entitled to apply for and, if eligible, receive SNAP benefits.

The homeless shelter cannot require a homeless SNAP recipient to surrender any of their SNAP Independence Card benefits to the shelter even when the shelter provides the recipient’s meals.

The use of SNAP benefits to purchase prepared meals from public or private nonprofit homeless meal providers must be voluntary on the part of recipients.

The amount the homeless meal provider requests from SNAP recipients for meals cannot exceed the average cost of the food contained in a meal served to individuals.

The homeless meal provider must give SNAP recipients the same options in paying for meals as given to persons who do not receive SNAP benefits. For example, if others have the option of eating free or making monetary donations, the homeless meal provider must give recipients the option of eating free, donating money, or donating SNAP benefits.

Even if the shelter is authorized by USDA to receive SNAP benefits, turning over any or all of their SNAP benefits is voluntary on the part of the resident of the shelter.

Homeless meal providers cannot act as authorized representatives for homeless SNAP recipients.

110.1 Residency

A household must live in Maryland to file an application

The State requires households to live in the project area in which they make application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits with a few exceptions. These exceptions occur when a household has an open case in a program other than SNAP benefits in another jurisdiction.

An individual cannot participate as a member of more than one household or in more than one jurisdiction (certification office) in any month, except for residents of shelters for battered women and children. For more detailed information on residents of shelters for battered women and children, see Section 103 of this manual, Residents of Shelters.

110.2 Residency Requirements

When determining residency, the local department will:

Not interpret residency to mean domicile which is sometimes defined as a legal place of residence or principal home;

Not impose a durational residency requirement;

Not interpret residency to mean intent to permanently reside in the State or project area. However, do not consider persons in the project area solely for vacation purposes as residents.

Not require a fixed residence, e.g. migrant campsites satisfy the residency requirement for the period of time they are in the project area.

NOTE: If otherwise eligible, households that do not reside in a permanent dwelling or have a fixed mailing address must be certified.

110.3 Verification

The household may provide verification in the form of documentation such as a driver’s license, rent receipt, utility or other bill, voter registration card, or similar means.

This information may be further substantiated by cross-reference to an independent source such as a telephone or city directory, detailed area map, collateral contact, or, if necessary, a home visit.

111.1 Purpose

Maryland Human Services Article §5–501 requires that if a household includes an individual who is at least 60 years old and receives a federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit in an amount less than $50 per month, the State shall provide a supplement to increase the total benefit to $50 per month.

Example: A MSS eligible household whose federal SNAP allotment is $30 would receive $20 in MSS equaling a total of $50 per month.

111.2 Process

The supplemental benefit automatically posts to the customer’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) account. Customers do not need to complete a new or separate application to apply for the supplemental benefit.

At the end of each month, the E&E System automatically identifies households eligible for the Minimum State Supplement (MSS) and determines the total amount of State Supplement benefits each household is eligible to receive for the next calendar month.

On their SNAP benefit issuance day of each month, the eligible households receive their State Supplement benefits along with their regular SNAP benefit in their EBT account. It appears as a separate additional SNAP benefit on the same issuance date.

111.3 Special Circumstances for Case Processing

If a household has an outstanding overpayment claim in recoupment, E&E supplements the difference between the grant amount (what the household would be receiving if not for the claim recoupment) and $50, not the difference of the benefit amount (what the household is actually receiving with the amount of the claim recoupment taken into account) and $50.

Example: If a household has a grant amount of $23 but an outstanding overpayment claim in recoupment that is recouping $10, the household's current benefit amount (the amount they actually receive) is $13. $50 less the $23 grant amount equals a MSS benefit of $27. The household will receive $13 in federal SNAP, $10 of the federal SNAP will be collected for recoupment of the existing claim, and $27 MSS for a total of $50, though $40 is the amount that will be issued to the customer.

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1.1 Definition Categorical eligibility means that a household is considered eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits based on its eligibility for a public assistance grant or service. Households in which all members receive or are authorized to receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), a service or benefit funded by Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), or Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) are categorically eligible. This includes a household with a mix of TCA, SSI, TDAP, or PAA members or a household authorized to receive a TANF-funded service. NOTE: Categorically eligible households are not subject to the gross and net income test and do not have to meet resource limits. This means we do not verify vehicle or bank account ownership for the SNAP. 1.2 Categorically Eligible Individuals and Households Categorically eligible individuals and households include the following: A. Individuals who receive TCA, SSI, TDAP, or PAA; B. Individuals who have been authorized but have not accessed TCA, SSI, TDAP, or PAA; C. Individuals authorized to receive TCA, SSI, TDAP, or PAA but who have not yet received the SNAP benefit; D. Household members receiving TCA, SSI, or PAA whose benefits are suspended or recouped; or E. TCA households that are not paid because the grant is less than $10. F. Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility a. To confer broad-based categorical eligibility to SNAP households, all households with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are authorized to use a non-cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funded program. b. TANF funds were used to print the brochure, Family Planning: A

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Guide for You. This meets the criteria for broad-based categorical eligibility. With broad-based categorical eligibility, there is no requirement that there be minor children in the household. Give the customer the Family Planning brochure when the customer

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1.2 Categorically Eligible Individuals and Households (continued) requests a copy. There is no requirement to give it to everyone. c. The following information is on the applications that are used for SNAP: i. Authorization to Receive Family Planning Information ii. If you want information, you can ask your case manager for a Family Planning Guide. You may also contact: 1. 410-396-9401 if you need help in finding a provider for birth control or arranging prenatal care, or 2. The Center for Maternal and Child Health at 1-800-456-8900 or www.dhmh.maryland.gov/mch.

d. 200% of 2025 Monthly Federal Poverty Guidelines

Household Size 200% Federal Poverty Level 1 $2,610 2 $3,526 3 $4,442 4 $5,360 5 $6,276 6 $7,192 7 $8,110 8 $9,026 Each Additional Household Member $918 1.3 Application Processing

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A. Local departments must notify households applying for public assistance that:

1.3 Application Processing (continued) a. They have the right to apply for SNAP benefits at the same time. b. The time limits or other requirements that apply to the receipt of TCA do not apply to the receipt of SNAP benefits. c. Households that stop receiving TCA because they have reached the maximum time limit for receiving TCA, have begun working, or for any other reason may still be eligible for SNAP benefits. d. Receiving SNAP benefits has no bearing on any other program’s time limits. B. If the local department attempts to discourage a household from applying for TCA (and requests a WAG instead, for example), it shall make clear that the requirements of applying for TCA do not apply to SNAP benefits. C. In order to determine if a household is categorically eligible for SNAP benefits, the local department may postpone (within the 30- day processing standard) the SNAP eligibility determination if the household is not entitled to expedited service and appears to be categorically eligible. D. The local department must postpone denying a potentially categorically eligible household until the 30th day in case the household is determined eligible to receive TCA, SSI, TDAP, or PAA benefits. Once the public assistance application is approved, the household is considered categorically eligible, provided no exceptions listed in “E” below are applicable. E. A household is not categorically eligible and is subject to all SNAP eligibility and benefit provisions if: a. Any member is disqualified for an intentional program violation (IPV) in accordance with Section 480.4 (Intentional Program Violation Disqualification Determination) of this

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manual; or b. The head of household is disqualified for failure to comply with the work requirements in accordance with Section 130.11 (Failure to Comply with Work Registration Requirements) of this manual. F. In addition to 115.3(E) listed above, a TDAP household is not categorically eligible and is subject to all SNAP eligibility and SNAP benefit provisions if:

1.3 Application Processing (continued) a. The household refuses to cooperate in providing the local department with the information necessary to make a SNAP eligibility determination; b. The household is disqualified under the striker provisions in accordance with Section 101 (Strikers) of this manual; or c. The individual has been disqualified for an IPV or for failure to apply for a Social Security number. G. If any of the following factors are questionable, verify that the household: a. Contains only members that are recipients of TCA, a WAG, SSI, TDAP, or PAA, or are a household authorized to receive a TANF-funded service or benefit as described in 115.2(F); b. Meets the household composition definition as described in Section 100 of this manual; c. Includes all persons who purchase and prepare their meals together, regardless of whether they are separate units for cash programs; and d. Includes no person who has been disqualified as described in paragraph 115.3(E) or (F). H. If required, verify SNAP eligibility factors, as described in Section 408.4 (Mandatory Verification at Application) of this manual, that are

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not verified for the program conferring categorical eligibility. I. Do not include any person as a member of a categorically eligible SNAP household if that person is: a. An ineligible immigrant as defined in Section 120 (Immigrants) of this manual; b. Ineligible under the student provision as described in Section 102 (Students) of this manual; c. Institutionalized in a non-exempt facility as defined in Section 100.63 of this manual; d. Ineligible because of failure to comply with a work requirement in accordance with Section 130.12 of this manual; or

1.3 Application Processing (continued) e. Ineligible because of a drug-related felony offense. J. Eligibility factors that are accepted for SNAP eligibility without the verification required in Section 408.4 because of categorical eligibility is: a. Resources b. Gross and net income limits c. Sponsored immigrant information d. Residency e. Social security number information Reminders: 1. Do not verify the assets/resources of a categorically eligible household. 2. Do not deny or terminate a categorically eligible household when the household fails to verify resources. K. When a household files a joint public assistance/SNAP application and is denied SNAP benefits but is later determined eligible for TCA, TDAP,

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or PAA, the case manager will issue SNAP benefits as described in section 115.3(L) of this manual. The case manager will also use any verification or information provided subsequent to the application.

The local department must be able to retrieve an original application when the application was initially denied but is subsequently authorized as a SNAP benefit or service conferring categorical eligibility. The case manager should annotate changes on the application and mail it to the household for a signature. NOTE: Do not re-interview the household. However, the local department may make mail or telephone contact with the household or its authorized representative to determine any changes in circumstances. L. The department will provide benefits from the date of the SNAP application to any household determined eligible for TCA, TDAP, or PAA that is categorically eligible within the 30-day processing standard. Prorate SNAP benefits in accordance with Section 412 (Prorating Initial

1.3 Application Processing (continued) Allotment) of this manual. A household that files a joint application that is found categorically eligible after being denied non-public assistance SNAP benefits will have its SNAP benefits for the initial month prorated from the date from which the public assistance benefits are payable, or the date of the original application, whichever is later. Assume that the household is categorically eligible at recertification in the absence of a timely public assistance recertification. M. The local department will re-evaluate the original application either at the household’s request or when the local department becomes aware of the household’s public assistance or SSI eligibility. N. One- and two-person households that are categorically eligible are entitled to at least a $24 per month allotment (plus the state

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supplement for participants over 62), except in an initial month. E&E will deny a categorically eligible household with three or more members that are not eligible for SNAP benefits because of their income. O. The resources of any household member who receives or is authorized to receive TCA, SSI, TDAP, TANF-funded benefits or services, or PAA are excluded. Examples: 1. Ms. A applies for assistance for herself and her children, aged 10 and 12, because her earnings do not cover her bills. The local department enters the household’s $4,550 monthly income in E&E to determine SNAP eligibility. The household is not categorically eligible because the household’s income is greater than 200 percent of poverty for a household of three. E&E will deny the SNAP case because gross income exceeds the gross income limit. 2. Ms. B applies for assistance for herself and her son, aged 10. The case manager enters the household’s $1,850 monthly earned income and deductions in E&E. She is categorically eligible and was found to be eligible for the $24 minimum benefit because the household size is two.

1.3 Application Processing (continued) 3. Mr. C applies for SNAP benefits for himself, his wife, and her two children because Ms. C had recently lost her job. The household’s total gross income is $2,500 in earned income. The household is categorically eligible because the income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level for a family size of 4. Mr. and Ms. C have $10,000 in savings. They have high shelter costs and Mr. C pays child support for children outside the SNAP benefit household. E&E will determine that this household is eligible for a SNAP benefit. 4. Mr. and Mrs. D apply for SNAP benefits. In the home is their

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20-year-old son who must be included in the household because he is under age 22. The household has a gross monthly income of $4,550. This household is not categorically eligible (income over 200% of the poverty level) and their income exceeds the gross income test. E&E will deny the household’s application.

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120.1 Determining Immigration Status A. According to Federal rules (7 CFR 273.4), with certain exceptions, only United States (U.S.) Citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, and qualified immigrants are eligible for federal, state, and local public benefits. This section provides guidance on verification of citizenship, qualified immigrants status, and eligibility of non-citizens. B. Nondiscrimination and Privacy Requirements: a. Civil rights laws and regulations prohibit discrimination by governmental and private entities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, and disability. b. In particular, Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin in any program or activity whether operated by a public or private entity, which receives federal funds or other federal financial assistance. Note: Profiling is not allowed. You cannot single out individuals who look or sound foreign for closer scrutiny or require them to provide additional documents of citizenship or immigration status. c. When implementing verification requirements, use the citizenship and immigration status only for purposes of verifying the applicant's eligibility for benefits. i. Because the process of verifying an individual's status as a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified immigrant raises issues involving privacy and anti-discrimination protections, do not verify an applicant's status when benefits are not contingent on the status. ii. If an immigrant is applying for benefits on behalf of another person, you may, under federal law, only verify the status of the person who will actually receive the benefits. 120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National A. Ask for a declaration of citizenship or immigration status. Do not verify an applicant's status as a citizen unless the information provided by the applicant is questionable. After declaring citizenship or immigration REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National (continued) status on the application and in the interview process, when an applicant signs the Rights and Responsibilities form, they are declaring their status under penalty of perjury. Note: The decision that an individual's declaration of citizenship is questionable must be non-discriminatory. For example, it cannot be based on the fact that the applicant looks or sounds foreign or has an ethnic surname. B. Subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, a U.S. citizen is: a. A person (other than the child of a foreign diplomat) born in one of the states, or in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands, who has not renounced or otherwise lost their citizenship; i. Most persons born in the Northern Mariana Islands before November 4, 1986 became U.S. citizens on that date under Article 3 of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America. b. A person born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent (sometimes referred to as a derivative citizen); or c. A naturalized U.S. citizen. C. A U.S. non-citizen national is a person born in an outlying possession of the U.S. (American Samoa or Swain's Island) on or after the date the U.S. acquired possession or a person whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements). D. Verify status if questionable. Evidence of citizenship includes, but is not limited to the following: a. A birth certificate showing birth in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico (on or after March 2, 1917), Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands (on or after January 17, 1917), American Samoa, Swain's Island, or the Northern Mariana Islands (on or after November 4, 1986), unless the person was born to foreign diplomats residing in the U.S.; REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National (continued) b. U.S. passport (except limited passport, which is issued for periods of less than 5 years); c. Reports of birth abroad of a U.S. citizen, also called a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or FS-240, issued by the U.S. Department of State; d. Certification of Birth Abroad (the FS-545 was used until November 1990, the DS-1350 was used from November 1990 through January 2011, and the FS-240 has been in use since January 2011); e. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570 issued by the USCIS through a federal or state court or through administrative naturalization after December 1990); f. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561 issued by the USCIS to individuals who derive citizenship through a parent); g. U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197 issued by the USCIS to U.S. citizens living near the Canadian or Mexican border until April 1, 1983, formerly the I-179 which was last issued February 1974); h. Northern Mariana Identification Card (issued by the USCIS to a collectively naturalized citizen of the U.S. born in the Northern Mariana Islands after November 4, 1986); and i. Statement provided by a U.S. consular officer certifying that the individual is a U.S. citizen (given to an individual born outside the U.S. who derives citizenship through a parent, but who does not have a FS-240, FS-545, or DS-1350). E. Derivative Citizenship (8 U.S.C. § 1431). If the applicant cannot present one of the documents listed above, make a determination of derivative citizenship in the following situations: a. An applicant born abroad to two U.S. citizen parents must provide evidence of: i. The U.S. citizenship of the parents; ii. The relationship of the applicant to the parents; and REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National (continued) iii. At least one of the parents residence in the U.S. (or an outlying possession) prior to the applicant's birth. b. An applicant born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one U.S. non-citizen national parent must provide evidence: i. That one parent is a U.S. citizen and the other is a U.S. non-citizen national; ii. Of the relationship to the U.S. citizen parent; and iii. That the U.S. citizen parent resided in the U.S., a U.S. possession, American Samoa, or Swain's Island for a period of at least one year prior to the applicant's birth. c. Applicant born out of wedlock abroad to a U.S. citizen mother must provide evidence of: i. The U.S. citizenship of the mother; ii. The relationship to the applicant; and iii. For births on or before December 24, 1952, evidence that the mother resided in the U.S. prior to the applicant's birth, or for births after December 24, 1952, evidence that the applicant's mother had resided in the U.S. or a U.S. possession for a period of one year prior to the applicant’s birth. d. An applicant born in the Canal Zone or the Republic of Panama must provide: i. A birth certificate showing the birth in the Canal Zone on or after February 26, 1904 and before October 1, 1979; and evidence that one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the applicant's birth; or ii. A birth certificate showing birth in the Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904 and before October 1, 1979 and evidence that at least one parent was a U.S. citizen and employed by the U.S. government or the Panama Railroad Company or its successor. REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National (continued) e. In all other situations where an applicant claims to have a U.S. citizen parent and a non-citizen parent or claims to fall within one of the above categories but is unable to present the listed documentation, refer the individual to the USCIS office. F. Adoption of foreign-born child by U.S. citizen: a. If the birth certificate shows a foreign place of birth and the applicant cannot be determined to be a naturalized citizen under any of the above criteria, obtain other evidence of U.S. citizenship. b. Since foreign-born adopted children do not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship by virtue of adoption by U.S. citizens, refer the applicant to the local USCIS district office for a determination of citizenship if the applicant provides no evidence of citizenship (see section 120.16 below). G. U.S. citizenship by marriage: a. Prior to September 22, 1922, a woman acquired U.S. citizenship through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Ask for evidence of U.S. citizenship of the husband and evidence showing the marriage occurred before September 22, 1922. b. If the husband was not a citizen at the time of the marriage and became naturalized before September 22, 1922, the wife also acquired naturalized citizenship. If the marriage terminated, the wife maintained her citizenship if she was residing in the U.S. at that time and continued to reside in the U.S. c. For those not married before September 22, 1922, permanent residents who have been married to a U.S. citizen and lived in the U.S. for at least 3 continuous years are eligible to apply for naturalized citizenship. H. Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000: a. Under the CCA, children automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when all of the following conditions are met: i. At least one parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization; REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.2 U.S. Citizen or Non-citizen National (continued) ii. The child is under 18; iii. The child is not married; iv. The child is a lawful permanent resident; v. The child is living in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent; and vi. If the child is adopted, the adoption must be full and final. b. Children who met the Act’s requirements on February 27, 2001, automatically became U.S. citizens as of that date. c. Individuals who were 18 years of age or older on February 27, 2001 or who otherwise did not meet the Act’s requirements, do not qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA. If they wish to become U.S. citizens, they must apply with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. They will receive a certificate of citizenship if they meet the requirements for adult permanent residents. I. When citizenship is questionable and the applicant has lost their original documents or never had an original document to prove citizenship or naturalization, the agency may accept a written declaration (made under penalty of perjury and possibly subject to later verification of status) from one or more third parties indicating reasonable personal knowledge that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national. J. Action Pending Verification a. The member whose citizenship is questionable is ineligible to participate until proof of U.S. citizenship is obtained. b. Include the income of the member whose citizenship is questionable, less a pro-rata portion. Include all resources of the member as available to the remaining household members. 120.3 Qualified Immigrants A. A qualified immigrant is: REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.3 Qualified Immigrants (continued) a. An immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence (LPR) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA); b. A Cuban or Haitian Entrant (CHE); or c. An individual who lawfully resides in the United States in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) referred to in section 402(b)(2)(G) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. B. Request documentation of immigration status (see section 120.12 below for more information on verification). C. If supported by documents, conclude that the applicant is a “qualified immigrant.” If the documentation appears to be genuine and related to the individual presenting it, accept the document as conclusive evidence that the applicant is a qualified immigrant. Do not further verify immigration status with USCIS, except through the Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE) procedures. D. If you conclude that an applicant is not qualified because the presented document does not appear to be genuine or to relate to the person presenting the document, check with USCIS to verify the information. E. Always verify the applicant’s status before determining that an applicant is not a qualified immigrant. Do not deny benefits without first verifying the applicant’s status. F. Check the status through the USCIS SAVE system. If necessary, initiate secondary procedures by filing with the local USCIS office, a USCIS Form G-845 and its Supplement along with copies of immigration documents provided by the applicant. G. Expired or Absent Documentation a. If an applicant presents an expired document or is unable to present any documentation to verify their immigration status, refer them to the district USCIS office to obtain the documentation. b. In unusual cases involving applicants who are hospitalized, disabled, or can otherwise show good cause for their inability to present the documentation and for whom securing the documentation would REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.3 Qualified Immigrants (continued) constitute undue hardship, make every effort to help the applicant verify immigration status. If the applicant can provide an alien registration number (also known as an “A number”), file USCIS Form G-845 and its Supplement along with the registration number and a copy of any expired USCIS document, with the local USCIS office. c. If an applicant presents a receipt indicating they have applied to the USCIS for a replacement document for one of the documents listed above, file USCIS form G-845 and Supplement along with the copy of the receipt with the local USCIS office. H. Submitting Verification Requests to USCIS a. Use USCIS Form G-845 (with the supplemental form) to obtain more detailed information on immigration status, citizenship, and sponsorship. (Use the supplemental form only in conjunction with Form G-845, not separately.) b. Mail to the Baltimore Field Office at:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service

3701 Koppers Street

Baltimore, MD 21227

ATTN: Immigration Status Verifier 120.4 Immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for five (5) years A. Qualified immigrants that have lived in the U.S. for 5 years or more meet immigrant eligibility requirements. B. The 5-year waiting period (also known as the “5-year bar”) begins on the date the immigrant obtains status as a qualified immigrant. C. If qualified immigrant status is granted retroactively, the retroactive time counts toward the 5 year requirements. 120.5 Immigrants Eligible during the 5 Year Bar on Immigrant Eligibility A. The Class of Admission (COA) reflects how an individual was granted entry to the United States. Should an individual’s immigration status convert to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), their original COA will determine whether they are required to wait five years before eligibility. REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.5 Immigrants Eligible during the 5 Year Bar on Immigrant Eligibility (continued) B. The 5-year waiting period does not apply to immigrants who were admitted as a Cuban and Haitian Entrant as defined in §501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 or Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

C. Additionally, the 5-year waiting period does not apply to individuals whose status has been adjusted to LPR from the following immigrant statuses/COAs: a. Refugee, b. Individual granted asylum, c. Deportation withheld, d. Amerasian, e. American Indian born abroad, f. Hmong or Laotian tribal member, g. Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant, h. Afghan national granted parole between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023, i. Ukrainian national granted parole between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024, or j. Victim of severe trafficking. Other exceptions to the 5-year waiting period are discussed in sections 120.6-120.11 below. 120.6 Immigrant Children A. Children under 18 years of age who are in a qualified status are eligible for SNAP, regardless of how long they have been in the U.S. Example: Child A is an LPR and is age 17. They may receive SNAP REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.6 Immigrant Children (continued) benefits until they turn 18, then they are no longer eligible unless they have been in the country for 5 years or more. B. Sponsor deeming requirements do not apply to sponsored children who are younger than 18 years old. Reminder: Do not count the deemed income or resources of a sponsor as available to any immigrant who is not eligible for SNAP. C. Prorate the income and resources of an immigrant child’s parents who are not part of the SNAP household as available to the child. D. Immigrants who are not otherwise mentioned within the category of “qualified immigrants” must convert to LPR status before they may become eligible for SNAP. E. Case managers must track the age of immigrant children when an immigrant child receiving SNAP will turn 18 during the certification period. F. Before removing an immigrant child from the SNAP when the child turns 18, re-evaluate the SNAP eligibility to determine if the child continues to be eligible. 120.7 Disabled immigrants A. Disabled immigrants who are receiving payments or assistance for blindness or disability as described below (regardless of date of entry or when they became disabled) are eligible for SNAP. For the purposes of these provisions, a disabled individual is one of the following: a. A person who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under title XVI of the Social Security Act, or federally or State administered supplemental benefits of the type described in section 212(a) of Public Law 93-66. Example: Mr. and Mrs. A are lawful permanent residents (LPR) and both receive SSI. They have lawfully lived in the U.S. for 4 years. They are eligible for SNAP (if all other eligibility requirements are met). b. A person who receives federally or State administered supplemental assistance of the type described in section 1616(a) of the Social REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.7 Disabled immigrants (continued) Security Act, interim assistance pending receipt of SSI, disability-related medical assistance, or disability-related general assistance, under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Immigrants who receive Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) and TDAP recipients who receive Medical Assistance fall under this category. c. A person who receives disability or blindness payments under title I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of the Social Security Act or receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because the disability is considered permanent under section 221(i) of the Social Security Act. d. A person who receives an annuity under section 2(a)(1)(iv) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and is determined eligible to receive Medicare by the Railroad Retirement Board; or section 2(a)(1)(v) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and is determined to be disabled based upon criteria under title XVI of the Social Security Act,upon criteria under title XVI of the Social Security Act. e. A veteran who: i. Has a service-connected or non-service-connected disability that is rated total; or ii. Is considered in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound. f. A surviving spouse of a veteran who is: i. In need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound; or ii. Is entitled to compensation for a service-connected death or pension benefits for a non-service-connected death under title 38, USC and has a disability considered permanent. g. A child of a veteran who is: i. Considered permanently incapable of self-support; or ii. Entitled to compensation for a service-connected death or pension benefits for a non-service-connected death under title REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.7 Disabled immigrants (continued) 38, USC and has a disability considered permanent. 120.8 Elderly Immigrants lawfully residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996 Elderly qualified immigrants (see section 120.3) who were lawfully residing in the U.S. on or before August 22, 1996 and who were 65 years of age or older on August 22, 1996 (born on or before 8/22/31), are eligible for SNAP benefits. 120.9 Work Quarters A. An immigrant who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence as defined in Section 101(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and can be credited with at least 40 quarters of qualified work is eligible for SNAP if they have not yet met the 5 year waiting period. B. This includes earnings reported to the Social Security Administration and earnings not reported to the Social Security Administration if the individual can verify the earnings. C. A qualifying quarter includes one worked by a parent of an immigrant before the date on which the child turned age 18 or a quarter worked by a spouse during the marriage if the immigrant remains married to the spouse or the spouse is deceased. D. If both spouses worked, combine the quarters worked during the marriage if they remain married or if the spouse is deceased. E. Beginning January 1, 1997, do not count a quarter in which the immigrant received any federal means-tested public benefit as a qualifying quarter. Federal means-tested programs are Medical Assistance (MA), (including MA for Pregnant Women and Children and Maryland Children’s Health Program), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or SNAP. This also applies to crediting a parent's or spouse's quarters if the parent or spouse received a means-tested benefit. The case manager must evaluate quarters of coverage and receipt of federal means-tested benefits on a calendar year basis as follows: a. Determine the number of quarters creditable in a calendar year. b. Identify those quarters after January 1, 1997, in which the immigrant or spouse or parent of the immigrant received a means-tested REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.9 Work Quarters (continued)

benefit. c. Remove those quarters from the number of quarters of coverage earned or credited to the immigrant in that calendar year. Exception: If the immigrant earns the 40th quarter of coverage prior to applying for SNAP benefits or any other means-tested benefit in that same quarter, allow that quarter toward the 40 qualifying quarters total. 120.10 Military Connection A. A veteran or person on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or the spouse or unmarried dependent child of a veteran or person on active military duty. B. The veteran or active duty person can be a citizen or an immigrant. C. A dependent child of a veteran is an unmarried biological or legally adopted dependent child who is: a. 17 years old or younger; b. 21 years old or younger and a full-time student; or c. Disabled and 18 years old or older if the child was disabled and dependent on the individual described in 120.10(A) prior to the child's 18th birthday. This definition also includes a child of a deceased veteran parent, if the child was dependent on the parent prior to the child's 18th birthday. D. An LPR under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with a military connection is eligible for an unlimited period. E. A veteran must have met the minimum active-duty service requirements of 24 months or the period for which the person was called to active duty. F. The definition of veteran includes military personnel who served before July 1, 1946 in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while the forces were in the service of the Armed forces of the U.S., or in the Philippine Scouts. G. A surviving spouse of a deceased veteran or individual on active duty is REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.10 Military Connection (continued) eligible, provided the spouse has not remarried and the marriage meets certain requirements. They must have been married: a. For at least one year; b. Before the end of a 15-year time span following the end of the period of military service in which the injury or disease was incurred or aggravated; or c. For any period if a child was born of the marriage or before the marriage. H. Verification a. Honorably Discharged Veterans i. A discharge certificate, DD Form 214, or equivalent that shows active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard and character of discharge “Honorable” is acceptable to qualify for the veteran exemption without further inquiry unless the certificate appears to be altered. ii. A discharge certificate that shows character of discharge as anything but “Honorable” is not acceptable for purposes of this exemption. Do not refer them to the Veterans Administration (VA). iii. The “Under Honorable Conditions” character of discharge is not an “Honorable” discharge for these purposes. iv. If a discharge certificate shows “Honorable” and any branch of service other than the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, or any other type of duty, refer to the local VA regional office for a determination of veteran status. v. If veteran status is claimed, but the individual has no papers showing service or discharge, refer the inquiry to the local VA regional office. vi. If a discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent) shows an original enlistment in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard before September 7, 1980, there is no REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.10 Military Connection (continued) minimum active-duty service requirement. If a discharge certificate shows two or more years of continuous active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, the individual meets the minimum active-duty service requirement. If a discharge certificate is not available or if it shows active-duty service of less than two years with an original enlistment after September 7, 1980, refer the inquiry to the VA regional office. vii. Applications for exemption based on status as a spouse, unmarried dependent child, or unremarried surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran require a determination of the veteran’s status and a determination that the applicant is a spouse or child. Status of the veteran may be established using the discharge certificate. If the applicant is not in possession of a discharge certificate, refer the question of veteran status to the VA for a determination. Verify marriage and dependency if questionable. viii. Applications for exceptions based on status as an unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran or active-duty personnel further require the following findings, in addition to a determination that the spouse has not remarried: 1. That the surviving spouse was married to the veteran or active-duty personnel within 15 years after the termination of the period of service in which the injury or disease-causing the death of the veteran was incurred or aggravated; 2. That the surviving spouse was married to the veteran or active-duty personnel for one year or more; or 3. That a child was born of the relationship between the surviving spouse and the veteran or active-duty personnel, either during or before the marriage. b. Members on Active Duty i. Active duty as a member of the Armed Forces means an individual is on full-time duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard. It does not include REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.10 Military Connection (continued) full-time National Guard Duty. ii. Service members on active duty shall establish their status by presenting a current Military Identification Card or DD Form 2 (Active) that lists an expiration date of more than one year from the date of the determination. iii. If the Military Identification Card is due to expire within one year from the date of the determination, ask the individual to provide a copy of their current military orders. If the individual cannot provide the orders, active duty may be verified through RAPIDS (Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System) at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/rapids/https:/ or by notifying the online service to update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ c. Reserve Members i. “Active duty for training” is temporary full-time duty in the Armed Forces performed by members of the Reserves, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard for training and does not establish eligible status. However, a discharge from active duty for training may establish veteran status and should be referred to VA for a determination. ii. A Member of a Reserve Component shall establish status by showing a current DD Form 2 (Reserve) and military active duty orders showing the individual is on active duty, but not on active duty for training. This is the only method for verifying this status. d. Spouse, Children, or Unremarried Surviving Spouse of Active Duty Members or Veterans i. Step 1: Establish that the individual is a spouse, dependent child, or un-remarried surviving spouse of an active duty member or veteran. 1. If questionable, verify the relationship with a marriage license and/or birth certificate. Consider the possession of a current Military Identification Card showing that the individual is REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.10 Military Connection (continued) married to a veteran or active duty member as evidence of marriage. Possession of a Military ID may also be considered evidence that a child is dependent on a veteran or active duty member of the Armed Forces for their support and is under age 18 or, if a full-time student, under age 22. 2. In making the determination as to whether an individual is an unremarried surviving spouse of an active duty member or a veteran, the local department must determine that the surviving spouse has not remarried and the following: a. That the surviving spouse was married to the veteran or active-duty personnel within 15 years after the termination of the period of service in which the injury or disease-causing the death of the veteran was incurred or aggravated; and that the surviving spouse was married to the veteran or active-duty personnel for one year or more; or b. That a child of the surviving spouse and the veteran or active-duty personnel was born either during or before the marriage. ii. Step 2: Determine that the member is on active duty or a veteran. 1. A spouse or child in possession of a current Military Identification Card with an expiration date of more than one year from the date of its presentation presumptively meets the active duty requirement for their spouse or parent respectively. 2. If the Military Identification Card is due to expire within one year, the spouse or child must provide a copy of the current military orders for their spouse or parent to establish the active duty status of the service member. If married to a reserve member or if an unmarried child of a reserve member, the orders must show that the service member is on active duty and not on active duty for training. iii. If the dependent cannot provide the military orders, status may be verified through RAPIDS (Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System) at REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.10 Military Connection (continued) https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/rapids/https:/ or by notifying the online service to update DEERS at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/. iv. A spouse or child with a discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent) from active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard and character of discharge “Honorable” has provided acceptable evidence to establish the veteran status of a spouse or parent. If it appears the certificate is altered, further inquiry is needed. If veteran status is claimed, but the spouse or child does not have documentation, refer to the local VA regional office for a determination. 120.11 American Indians Born in Canada American Indians born in Canada to whom the provisions of section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) apply, and members of an Indian tribe as defined in section 4(e), of the Indian Self-determination and Education Assistance Act are eligible for SNAP. This provision was intended to cover Native Americans who are entitled to cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico. 120.12 Verification of Immigration Status A. Verification of immigration status that includes immigration status, date of entry, and date current status was designated is required. B. To verify immigration status, this procedure must be followed: a. Obtain a copy of the immigration status documents that are acceptable for the specified status. b. Run a Systematic Alien Verification for entitlements (SAVE) query using the immigration status document (refer to the SAVE manual for SAVE system instructions). c. If the immigrant does not have a document or it has expired, refer the person to the USCIS. d. If the immigrant has applied for replacement documents, send Form USCIS G-845, Supplement, and a copy of the applicant’s receipt for replacement documents to USCIS. REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.12 Verification of Immigration Status (continued) e. Do not contact USCIS directly to obtain documentation unless requested to do so by the immigrant who is hospitalized, disabled, or has other good cause for not having the documentation and obtaining it would cause undue hardship. C. Documentary Evidence Of Status For SNAP Eligibility a. General Information i. Under the INA, all immigrants over the age of 14 who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days are required to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and obtain an alien registration document. ii. Immigrants over the age of 18 who receive a registration document are required to carry it at all times, with certain exceptions (e.g., Canadian visitors). iii. Immigrants entering the U.S. are normally issued a registration document on entry. iv. If the document is questionable because it does not appear to be genuine or does not relate to the person presenting it, ask the applicant to produce their registration document as additional evidence of immigration status. This request for additional documentation cannot be made for a discriminatory reason. v. LPRs that have worked or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters are considered to have met the 5 year bar. Verify quarters of work through the Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS) in the State Verification Exchange System (SVES). 1. If 40 qualifying quarters of coverage are needed for an LPR to qualify, make sure the SSA Consent for Release of Information is on file in the case record when requesting a QC history for Social Security numbers that are not assigned to the applicant (i.e. parent or spouse of the applicant). REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.12 Verification of Immigration Status (continued) a. DO NOT send the customer directly to the SSA office for this information. b. Qualified Immigrants Lawfully Residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996. i. Certain immigrants, if qualified, are eligible for SNAP benefits if they were residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996. ii. Verification of Lawful Residence 1. If the case manager verifies that an immigrant was qualified on August 22, 1996, it is not necessary to perform further verification of lawful residence. 2. If the immigrant was not a qualified alien on August 22, 1996 or was a qualified alien on the basis of being battered, the case manager must verify that the immigrant was both lawfully present on that date (by checking the immigrant’s USCIS status at that time) and in the U.S. on that date (by reviewing proof of residence). Immigration Status Verification Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) ● USCIS Form I-551* (also referred to as an Alien Registration Receipt Card, Permanent Resident Card or Green Card) ● Unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp in a foreign passport or on the USCIS Form I-94* Compacts of Free Association (COFA or CFA) citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau Either of the following documents that contain a stamp of CFA/PAL, CFA/FSM, CFA/MIS, or CFA/RMI: ● Valid, unexpired passport from FSM, RMI, or Palau ● USCIS Form I-94*

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120.12 Verification of Immigration Status (continued)

Immigration Status Verification Cuban/Haitian Entrant (CHE) ● USCIS Form I-551* (Alien Registration Card) with a code CU6, CU7, or CH6 ● Unexpired temporary I-551, stamp in a foreign passport, or on USCIS Form I-94*, with the code CU6 or CU7 ● USCIS Form I-94*, with stamp showing parole as "Cuban/Haitian Entrant" under Section 212(d)(5), of the INA American Indians born in Canada eligible under section 289 of the INA Those admitted under section 289 of the INA do not have to be qualified immigrants and may or may not have evidence of alien registration. If they do, the acceptable verifications are: ● An unexpired I-551* with the code S13 ● An unexpired temporary I-551 stamp in a Canadian passport or on an I-94* with the code S13 ● A letter or other tribal documents certifying at least 50 percent Indian blood as required by section 289 of the INA combined with a birth certificate or other evidence of birth in Canada If the USCIS form presented by the immigrant does not bear annotations needed to verify eligibility and the individual can provide no other document ● Form G-641 Application from USCIS records. This form may be accepted as evidence of status when properly annotated at the bottom by an USCIS representative * Indicates a document that is considered a registration document. They demonstrate lawful status and you should not require presentation of another registration document if the applicant submits one that reasonably appears to be genuine.

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120.12 Verification of Immigration Status (continued) D. If the USCIS form presented by the immigrant does not bear annotations needed to verify eligibility and the individual can provide no other document, advise the immigrant: a. To obtain a Form G-641 Application for Verification of Information from USCIS records. Once completed by USCIS, this form may be accepted as evidence of status when properly annotated at the bottom by an USCIS representative. b. If appropriate, that the individual may be eligible if acceptable verification is obtained; and c. That the immigrant may contact USCIS or otherwise obtain the necessary verification or if the immigrant wishes (and signs a written consent) the local department will contact USCIS to obtain clarification of the immigrant’s status. 120.13 Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE) A. Customers must provide documentation to verify their immigration status. Case managers should use this documentation to verify the customer’s immigration status via SAVE. B. SAVE verification is required in order for the application to be processed. SAVE is required when: a. The customer applies for benefits for the first time; b. The customer applies for benefits for the first time after leaving and subsequently returning to the country; c. The customer reports a change in immigration status; d. The customer has an existing case, but at application, redetermination or interim change the case manager cannot verify SAVE was previously run; or e. The customer reports they have naturalized.

Note: If SAVE was previously run and none of the above situations apply, it is not necessary to run SAVE again. C. In the Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) system, the Citizenship screen REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.13 Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE) must be updated to reflect the SAVE information and the response must be uploaded to Case Documents. D. The case manager must review the SAVE response to verify the customer’s immigration status. It is the case manager’s responsibility to review SAVE for results in a timely manner. The case manager must take the necessary action and apply the correct policy based on the SAVE response. Note: Some customers are not subject to the 5-year waiting period. This is based on their Class of Admission even if their current status is LPR. Case managers should refer to Section 120.5 of this document for which Class of Admission categories are exempt from the 5-year waiting period and make decisions accordingly. 120.14 Responsibility of the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) to Obtain Verification A. If an immigrant is unable or unwilling to provide a USCIS document or other acceptable verification showing immigrant status, the individual is ineligible. Do not continue efforts to obtain documentation. B. The responsibility of the local department exists only when the immigrant has a USCIS document that does not clearly indicate eligible or ineligible immigrant status. C. Do not contact USCIS to obtain information about the immigrant’s correct status without the individual’s written consent. If the customer refuses to allow USCIS to be contacted, they are not eligible for SNAP. Note that immigrants may contact USCIS online at https://www.uscis.gov. 120.15 Status of Household while Awaiting Verification of Eligible Immigrant Status A. Note that the availability of immediate online verification at www.uscis.gov should prevent the need for waiting for verification. If, in the unlikely situation where you cannot access and must wait for acceptable verification, an immigrant is ineligible until acceptable documentation is provided unless: REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.15 Status of Household while Awaiting Verification of Eligible Immigrant Status (continued) a. The local department has submitted a copy of a document provided by the household to USCIS for verification; b. The local department has submitted a request for additional verification via SAVE; c. The applicant or local department has submitted a request to a federal agency for verification of information that has a bearing on the individual's immigrant status; or d. The applicant or local department has submitted a request to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for information regarding the number of creditable quarters of work, SSA has responded that the immigrant has fewer than 40 quarters, and the individual provides documentation from SSA that SSA is conducting an investigation to determine if more quarters can be credited. i. If SSA indicates that the number of qualifying quarters that can be credited is under investigation, the local department must certify the individual pending the results of the investigation for up to 6 months from the date of the original determination of insufficient quarters. B. When an immigrant in the household is ineligible, determine the eligibility of the remaining household members. Treat income and resources in the same manner as an ineligible immigrant as described in SNAP Manual Section 108.5. Do not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate the household's eligibility for benefits on the basis of the individual’s immigration status. C. If the local department subsequently receives verification of eligibility, act on the information as a reported change in household composition. D. The LDSS must give immigrant applicants a reasonable opportunity to submit acceptable documentation of their immigrant status, as of the 30th day following the date of application. This means the LDSS must give the immigrant at least 10 days from the date of the request for verification.

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120.16 Ineligible Immigrants A. All other immigrants are ineligible for SNAP. Ineligible immigrant populations include, but are not limited to: a. Visitors, tourists, students, and diplomats; b. Refugees, Asylees, and Parolees (unless they are an LPR); c. Those admitted under color of law; i. "Admitted under color of law" refers to individuals, often government officials, who have been permitted to reside in the United States indefinitely under a specific immigration status, such as deferred action or voluntary departure. d. Immigrants who have applied for eligible status, but who have not been approved; and e. Immigrants who have a questionable or unverified status. B. An immigrant can apply on behalf of other people in the household. Under federal law, you may only verify the immigration status of the people who will actually receive benefits. 120.17 Federal Requirements to Report Individuals with Deportation Orders A. Federal regulations (CFR 273.4(b)(1)), require the agency to inform the local USCIS office immediately whenever a case worker determines that any member of a household is ineligible to receive SNAP benefits because the member is present in the U.S. in violation of the INA. B. Section 1631(e)(9) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1383(e)(9)) stipulates that the names, addresses, and other identifying information of any individual who is known to be unlawfully in the U.S. must be reported at least four (4) times per year. C. The Interagency Notice (Responsibility of Certain Entities to Notify the Immigration and Naturalization Service of any Alien who the Entity “Knows” is not Lawfully Present in the United States, 65 Fed. Reg. 58301 (September 28, 2000) details under what circumstances an agency is considered to “know” that an individual is here in violation of the INA. “Knowing” that an individual is unlawfully present in the U.S. means REVISED JANUARY 2026

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120.17 Federal Requirements to Report Individuals with Deportation Orders (continued) that the person is subject to an order of deportation. Therefore, the State agency is ONLY required to report to USCIS when the local department "knows" that an applicant has an active order of deportation in place. Otherwise, case managers are not to notify the USCIS of applicants that do not provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or immigration. D. Do not make a determination that an individual is in violation of the INA merely because of the immigrant’s inability or unwillingness to document their immigrant status. When an immigrant is unwilling or unable to provide documentation, classify the individual as ineligible and discontinue efforts to obtain further documentation. 120.18 Calculating the Countable Income and Resources from an Ineligible Immigrant A. Determine the amounts to be counted by calculating a prorated share of income received by the ineligible member and a prorated share of expenses paid by or billed to the ineligible member, as described in Section 108.5 of this manual. B. Do not count a deemed portion of a sponsor’s income in calculating eligibility or benefit level if the sponsored immigrant is not included (receiving benefits) in the SNAP household. C. The total value of any resources owned by the ineligible immigrant is counted. 120.19 Case Processing Household compositions of immigrant families can be diverse, resulting in a mixed eligibility for SNAP benefits within a given household. Example #1: Household A includes a mother and father who are undocumented immigrants and two citizen children. As undocumented immigrants, the parents are not in a qualified status and are not eligible for SNAP benefits for themselves, but the children who are U.S. citizens are eligible for SNAP. Verify the income and deductions of the household and process this case using a prorated share of the ineligible members’ income and deductions. REVISED JANUARY 2026

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Example #2: Household B includes a mother (age 45) and her son (age 20). Both are lawfully admitted for permanent residence without qualified Classes of Admission. Neither applicant has lived in the US in a qualified immigrant status for 5 years. They also do not have 40 quarters or a military connection. The household is not eligible for SNAP at this time because neither of them have met the 5 year bar. Example #3: Household C includes a mother and her two children under age 18. All are LPR with a date of entry two (2) years ago. The mother is not eligible for SNAP because she has not met the 5 year bar and does not have 40 quarters or a military connection. The children are eligible for SNAP because they are in a qualified status and are under age 18. Open the case for the non-citizen children's benefits using a prorated portion of the mother’s income and deductions. Example #4: Household D includes a mother, a father, and their two children who were lawfully admitted for permanent residence as refugees within the last five years as well as one citizen child born in the U.S. All of the household members are eligible for SNAP because they are either U.S. citizens or are LPRs that entered the U.S. under a status that exempts them from the 5-year waiting period. REVISED JANUARY 2026

121.1 Definitions

A “sponsored immigrant” is an immigrant for whom a person (sponsor) has executed an affidavit of support (I-864or I-864A) on behalf of the immigrant.

A “sponsor” is a person who executed an affidavit of support (I-864or I-864A) on behalf of the immigrant as a condition of the immigrant’s entry or admission into the United States as a permanent resident.

“Date of entry” or “Date of admission” means the date established by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) as the date the sponsored immigrant was admitted for permanent residence.

121.2 Deeming of a Sponsor’s Income and Resources for Immigrants Admitted under the Affidavit of Support

Only a portion of the income and resources of a sponsor and sponsor's spouse (if the spouse has executed INS I-864 or I-864A) will be counted in the calculation of the immigrant's SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) benefit eligibility and SNAP benefit level.

Calculate the portion of monthly income of any sponsor to be considered that of the immigrant in the following manner:

Look at the total monthly earned and unearned income of any sponsor at the time the household containing the sponsored immigrant member applies or is recertified for SNAP participation.

121.2 Deeming of a Sponsor’s Income and Resources for Immigrants Admitted under the Affidavit of Support (continued)

Subtract 20 percent of any earned income of any sponsor.

Subtract the amount of the monthly gross income eligibility limit for a household equal in size to the sponsor, the sponsor’s spouse, and any other person who is claimed by the sponsor or sponsor’s spouse as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.

Do not include money paid to the immigrant by the sponsor unless the amount paid actually exceeds the amount deemed as unearned income to the immigrant.

Resources of a sponsor to be considered as that of the immigrant is the total amount of any resources (as defined in the SNAP Manual section 200) reduced by $1,500.

If a sponsored immigrant can demonstrate that the sponsor also sponsors other immigrants, divide the deemed income and resources by the number of sponsored immigrants.

Example: Mr. and Mrs. A signed an affidavit of support (I-864) on behalf of Mrs. B and her 2 children. Mr. A has earnings of $2,500 per month. He has a bank account that totals $3,000. Mr. and Mrs. A have no other dependents and do not sponsor any others.

Countable Resource: The local department will count $1,500 ($3,000-$1,500) of the bank account as a resource to Mrs. B's household.

Countable Income: Total income $2,500

20% earned income deduction - 500

$2,000

Gross income limit for household of 2 $1,726

Countable unearned income for Mrs. B $ 274

Sponsored immigrant rules do not apply to:

An immigrant who is part of the sponsor's SNAP household,

Qualified immigrant children under 18 years of age,

An immigrant who is sponsored by an organization or group as opposed to an individual,

121.2 Deeming of a Sponsor’s Income and Resources for Immigrants Admitted under the Affidavit of Support (continued)

An immigrant who is not required to have a sponsor, such as a refugee, a parolee, an asylee, an Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant, or a Cuban or Haitian entrant,

An indigent immigrant.

The indigence exception is for immigrants who are abandoned by their sponsor or when the sponsor’s contribution is so inadequate that the immigrant is unable to obtain food and shelter. This exemption lasts for one year after the agency makes the indigence determination.

To make this determination, take into account the non-citizens own income, plus any cash, food, housing, or other assistance provided by other individuals, including the sponsor. The amount that is deemed from the sponsor is the actual amount provided for a period beginning on the date of the determination and ending 12 months from this date.

"Is unable to obtain food and shelter" means that the total amount of the eligible sponsored immigrant's household's own income, and the cash contributions and value of in-kind assistance provided by the sponsor and others does not exceed the gross income test for the household's size.

When the local department determines that an immigrant is indigent, the name of the sponsored indigent immigrant and the sponsor’s name must be forwarded to :

Executive Office for Immigration Review

US Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington DC 20530-0001

If the immigrant does not want BCIS contacted regarding their indigent status or their sponsor, the immigrant may choose to be removed from the SNAP household or to withdraw the application.

The case manager must advise the immigrant that receiving SNAP does not affect their immigration status.

A battered immigrant spouse, parent of a battered child, or child of a battered immigrant.

An exception from sponsor deeming for certain battered spouses and children is allowed for a one-year period.

121.2 Deeming of a Sponsor’s Income and Resources for Immigrants Admitted under the Affidavit of Support (continued)

This exception is for immigrant spouses and children who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by their spouses or parents, or by another family member residing in the household who was allowed to commit the acts.

The battery or cruelty must have a substantial connection to the need for the public benefits.

The spouse or child subjected to cruelty must not be living with the person who committed the abusive acts.

The battered spouse exception may extend beyond the initial one-year period, if the BCIS, a judge, or an administrative law judge formally recognizes that the battery or extreme cruelty occurred. The local department must also determine that the abuse continues to have a connection with the spouse or child’s need for benefits.

Termination of the support obligation.

The sponsor’s support obligation terminates when the sponsored immigrant:

Becomes a citizen of the United States;

Has worked, or can be credited with, 40 qualifying quarters of work, provided that the sponsored immigrant is not credited with any quarter beginning after December 31, 1996, during which the immigrant receives a federal means-tested public benefit;

Ceases to hold the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent status and has departed the U.S.; or

Dies.

The sponsor’s support obligation also ends if the sponsor dies.

The termination of the support obligation does not relieve the sponsor or the sponsor’s estate of any reimbursement obligation that accrued before the support obligation terminated.

121.2 Deeming of a Sponsor’s Income and Resources for Immigrants Admitted under the Affidavit of Support (continued)

Reminder: Do not include the resources and income of the sponsor in determining the resources and income of an ineligible sponsored immigrant.

121.3 Steps for Determining Eligibility

Step 1: When sponsored legal permanent residents apply for SNAP benefits, if they do not meet one of the exceptions to deeming, determine eligibility for benefits based on their immigration status. Most are not eligible for federal benefits because of the 5-year bar on receipt of federal means-tested benefits.

Step 2: Determine if the household will meet eligibility requirements for the benefit based on reported information. For example, if a household owns a resource that would make it ineligible, further verification of immigration status and sponsor’s income is not necessary.

Step 3: If the household will be eligible for the benefits, verify immigration status and the income and resources of the sponsor and or sponsor’s spouse (if the spouse is living with the sponsor). The G-845 Supplement has a section in which INS can enter the sponsor’s address.

Step 4: Determine eligibility for SNAP benefits.

121.4 Eligible Sponsored Immigrant’s Responsibilities

The eligible sponsored immigrant is responsible for:

Obtaining the cooperation of the sponsor and for providing the agency with any information or documentation necessary to calculate deemed income and resources.

Reporting the required information if the sponsor changes during the certification period.

Reporting a change in income if the sponsor changes or loses employment or dies.

The local department shall obtain from the sponsored immigrant the following information:

121.4 Eligible Sponsored Immigrant’s Responsibilities (continued)

The income and resources of the sponsor and the sponsor’s spouse at the time of the immigrant’s application for SNAP.

The number of other immigrants for whom the sponsor has signed an affidavit of support and the number of dependents for Federal income tax purposes of the sponsor and the sponsor’s spouse.

The provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act under which the immigrant was admitted.

The date of the immigrant’s entry or admission as a lawful permanent resident as established by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

The immigrant’s date of birth, place of birth, and alien registration number.

The name, address, and phone number of the immigrant’s sponsor.

121.5 Awaiting Verification

If the information listed in 121.4.B.1-6 is not received or verified on a timely basis, the sponsored immigrants are ineligible until all necessary facts are obtained.

Determine the eligibility of any remaining household members.

Consider as available a prorated portion of the income and all the resources of the ineligible immigrant (excluding the deemed income and resources of the immigrant’s sponsor) in determining the eligibility and benefit level of the remaining household members.

If the information or verification is subsequently received, act on the information as a reported change in household membership.

121.6 Overissuances Due to Incorrect Sponsor Information

Effective June 1, 2001, any recipient claim arising from overissuances to a household that includes a sponsored immigrant is the sole responsibility of that household.

Claims established prior to June 1, 2001, under the old policy are still valid. Under the prior policy:

121.6 Overissuances Due to Incorrect Sponsor Information (continued)

The sponsored immigrant and any sponsor are both jointly and separately liable for repayment of any overissuance of SNAP benefits as a result of incorrect information provided by the sponsor. If the immigrant’s sponsor had good cause or was without fault for supplying the incorrect information, the immigrant’s household is solely liable for repayment of the overissuance. The local department may choose to establish claims against both parties at the same time or to establish a claim against the party most likely to repay first.

If a claim is established against the immigrant’s sponsor first, ensure that a claim is established against the immigrant’s household whenever the sponsor fails to respond to a demand letter within 30 days of receipt.

Initiate collection action against a sponsor by sending a written demand letter which informs the sponsor of the amount owed, the reason for the claim, and how the claim may be paid.

When collecting claims against the household of a sponsored immigrant all procedures concerning determination of intentional program violation or inadvertent client error and all procedures regarding the collection of claim, as outlined in section 490 are to be followed.

Inform the sponsor that he or she is not liable for repayment of the claim if there is good cause or if the sponsor was without fault for the incorrect information having been given to the local department.

When a sponsor does not respond to demand letters, the local department may use other collection methods to obtain payments or claims.

Terminate collection action when the sponsor cannot be located or when the cost of further collection is likely to exceed the amount that can be recovered.

Collection of claims from sponsors shall be in accordance with procedures specified in section 490, Claims against Households.

122.1 Purpose

All of the policy and procedures described in the following sections apply to migrant households with the exception of expedited service.

122.2 General Information

Migrants who are not citizens must meet the same non-citizen eligibility requirements as other non-citizens (See Section 120).

122.3 Definition of a Migrant Worker

A migrant worker is a person who moves from one region or locality to another to work or seek work in agriculture or a related seasonal industry. Migrant workers move so far in the course of their regular annual employment that they establish temporary residences at one or more locations away from the place they call home.

122.4 Applications

Because migrant households often reside in isolated areas and may have no access to a telephone or may have transportation problems, it is often necessary to waive face-to-face office interviews or conduct onsite interviews.

Applications may be taken and processed at the labor camps when the local director determines that this will result in more efficient use of staff and promote prompt and expeditious handling of applications.

Migrant households frequently have little or no income at the time of application and may be destitute even though they receive income at some other time during the month of application.

Carefully screen all applications to identify those requiring expedited service, and to apply the special income calculation for destitute households. The destitute provision applies only to migrant households.

Two unusual living arrangements are common to migrants:

If a group of single persons hires someone to purchase and prepare meals for them, that group is the household. There cannot be a household of one.

122.5 Household Concept (continued)

Individual members of a household may be lodged in separate dwellings in the labor camp. When this occurs, the household unit is not disturbed and the group may qualify as a single household as long as the members purchase and prepare their meals together.

122.6 Residency and Identity

Consider a car, bus, truck or other temporary shelter as an acceptable place of residence.

Verify only that the household is, at least temporarily, living at a place within the county, and is working or seeking employment.

122.7 Work Registration

Register migrant workers for work unless they are exempt (See Section 130 for work exemptions).

The most common exemptions in migrant households are as follows:

Children under age 18

Persons employed a minimum of 30 hours per week

Persons receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30

122.8 Resources

Take special care when dealing with migrants to determine if there are out-of-state resources if the household is not categorically eligible. Please note that most migrant households are categorically eligible and resources are not counted for SNAP purposes.

122.9 Excluded Income

Migrant households are entitled to the same income exclusions as other households (See Section 211).

The most common excluded income for migrant households is the earned income of a child who is 17 years of age or younger and is:

122.9 Excluded Income (continued)

Attending school at least half-time, and

Under the control of another household member

NOTE: Exclude a student’s income that can be identified separately from the rest of the household’s income. If the student’s income cannot be identified from the other household members, prorate the income evenly among all of the individuals who earned the income. Exclude the child’s prorated share from consideration.

122.10 Destitute Households

Destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker households are those that meet the following criteria on receipt of income during the month of application:

The household’s only income for the month of application was received prior to the date of application, and was received from a terminated source; or

The household’s only income for the month of application is from a new source and it does not expect to receive more than $25 from this source by the 10th calendar day after the date of application; or

The household’s only income from a terminated source is received before the date of application and it does not expect to receive more than $25 income from a new source by the 10th calendar day after the date of application.

122.11 Income from a Terminated Source

Income that is received on a monthly or more frequent basis comes from a terminated source if it will not be received again from the same source during the balance of the month of application or during the following month.

Income that is normally received less often than monthly comes from a terminated source if it will not be received in the month in which the next payment would normally be received.

EXAMPLE: If income is received on a quarterly basis (e.g. on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1), and the household applies in mid-January, the income would be from a terminated source only if the household does not anticipate receiving it in April.

122.12 Income from a New Source

Income that is normally received on a monthly or more frequent basis is considered to be from a new source if income of more than $25 has not been received from that source within 30 days prior to the date the application was filed.

Income that is normally received less often than monthly is considered to be from a new source of income of more than $25 that was not received within the last normal interval between payments.

EXAMPLE: A household applies in early January and is expecting to be paid every three months starting in late January. The income is from a new source if no income of more than $25 was received from that same source during October or since that time.

NOTE: A migrant farm worker’s source of income is the grower for whom the migrant is working, not the crew chief. Therefore, a migrant who travels with the same crew chief but moves from one grower to another has moved from a terminated source to a new source of income.

Some employers provide travel reimbursement or wage advances to employees to cover the travel costs of moving to the location of their new employment. Disregard these travel advances when determining whether income is from a new source.

EXAMPLE: A household applies on May 10. Its new employer gives the household $50 for travel from its old job site, received by the household on May 1. It will not start receiving any other income from the employer until May 30. The $50 payment on May 1 is disregarded in determining the status of the May 30 income. Therefore, the payment on May 30 is considered income from a new source, and the household is considered destitute.

NOTE: All SNAP applications from migrants must be screened for destitute household status. Those who meet the criteria listed above may be entitled to expedited SNAP service as described in Section 401.

122.13 Application for Destitute Households

Destitute migrant households receive the SNAP benefit under a special income calculation for the month of application only. This is done by considering only income that is received between the first of the month of application and the date of application. Disregard any income from a new source that is anticipated after the date of application.

122.13 Application for Destitute Households (continued)

NOTE: Exclude as income travel advances that are reimbursements for travel expenses. Count as income travel advances that are an advance on wages when a written contract specifies the advance will be subtracted from wages later earned by the employee.

EXAMPLE: A household applies May 10. It receives a $50 wage advance from its new employer on May 1, but will not receive any other wages from the employer until May 30. The household has a written contract that states that the $50 will be subtracted from these wages. The May 30 payment is disregarded, but the wage advance received prior to the date of application is counted as income.

122.14 Certification Periods

Certify destitute households using expedited service verification requirements for one or two months only if the household cannot reasonably predict what its circumstances will be in the near future or when there is a substantial likelihood of frequent and significant changes in income or household status (see Section 408.4).

122.15 Recertification

The policies regarding destitute migrant households, expedited service verification requirements, and special income calculation apply at recertification, but only for the first month of the new certification period.

At recertification, disregard income from a new source in the first month of the new certification period if income of more than $25 will not be received from the new source by the 10th calendar day after the date of the household’s normal issuance cycle.

EXAMPLE: A household whose current certification period expires on May 31 files a timely application on May 15. During the recertification interview, the case manager discovers that the household will receive its last income from its employer on May 30. It will receive income from a new employer on June 20. Since this household has no other income, the income for the first month of the new certification period is disregarded. If the verification required for recertification is obtained, assign a normal certification period. If not, verify based on expedited service requirements and give the household a new certification period of one month.

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130.1 Purpose This section describes SNAP general work requirements, exemptions from work requirements, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T).

130.2 General Policy

A. In May 2015, the State of Maryland elected to become a voluntary state for SNAP E&T work participation requirements. B. As a voluntary state, SNAP requires that each household member (who is not exempt under section 130.5 below) complete a work registration, but participation in a work activity is voluntary except as noted in 130.2 C. This manual uses Work Registration in place of general work requirement terminology. D. Only Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who are not exempt and do not meet the requirements for an exception are required to complete SNAP work registration and participate in approved work activities, or become employed. (See SNAP Manual section 106 for ABAWD policy).

130.3 Work Registration Procedure

A. At a customer’s initial SNAP certification and at redetermination, an eligibility worker is responsible for: a. Determining which SNAP household members must register for work, b. Registering each individual for work who is not exempt under section 130.5 below, and c. Ensuring that the Work Exemption screen in the Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) system is updated and correct for each individual at application and recertification.

B. It is not necessary for work registration to be done in person.

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130.4 Determination of Exemption Status

Screen SNAP household members for potential exemptions from Work Registration at the time of initial certification and at each subsequent redetermination. If an individual qualifies for more than one (1) exemption, the exemption expected to apply for the longest period of time must be selected.

Note:Customers are responsible for registering for work at their next redetermination when they lose an exemption from Work Registration due to a change in circumstances that is not subject to the requirements of Simplified Reporting. (See SNAP Manual section 420.)

130.5 Exemptions from Work Registration Individuals are exempt from Work Registration by federal statute if they are:

A. Younger than age 16 or aged 60 or older, a. Individuals aged 16 and 17 are also exempt from work registration if they are: i. Not the head of household, ii. Attending school, or iii. Enrolled in a SNAP E&T program at least half-time. B. Physically or mentally unfit for employment. Require verification of the mental or physical disability only if the disability is not evident. Verification includes: a. Receipt of temporary or permanent disability payments issued by public or private sources, or b. A statement from a licensed health care provider, or c. A FIA form 500 completed by a licensed health care provider. C. Subject to, and complying with, any work requirement under Title IV of the Social Security Act, including compliance with Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) work requirements.

Note: Some TCA customers are not subject to TCA work requirements (e.g. caretaker relatives other than parents). If customers are not

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130.5 Exemptions from Work Registration (continued) exempted from TCA work requirements, then they are subject to SNAP Work Registration.

D. Responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 6 or an incapacitated individual. a. When the child turns 6 within a certification period, the person responsible for the care of the child must register for work at the next scheduled redetermination unless they qualify for another exemption. E. Receiving unemployment compensation. a. A person who has applied for, but has not yet begun to receive benefits is also exempt if that person is complying with work requirements associated with their unemployment application. b. Verify unemployment information using BEACON. F. A regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program. G. Employed or self-employed working a minimum of 30 hours weekly OR earning weekly wages at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours. a. This includes migrant and seasonal farm workers who are under contract with an employer or crew chief and who will begin employment within 30 days. H. A student enrolled at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education. a. A student enrolled at least half-time in a school of higher education must meet the requirements in Section 102 of this manual. b. The student remains exempt during normal periods of class attendance, vacations, and recesses. c. If the student graduates, is suspended or expelled, drops out, or does not intend to register for the next normal school term ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.5 Exemptions from Work Registration (continued) (excluding summer school) the LDSS must register the customer for work.

130.6 Individual Exemptions

A. Individuals that are required to register for work because they do not meet any of the statutory exemptions in section 130.6 above may still be individually exempted from work registration. B. The fact that the customer meets a condition that could be considered an individual exemption does not automatically grant the individual exemption. a. The situation must exist and the case manager must decide that the circumstance makes participation in work program activities impractical. C. Determine individual exemptions on a case-by-case basis and review the exemption again at recertification.

D. Allowable individual exemptions from Work Registration include: a. Older individual – Aged 55 or older with no formal skill training who has not been employed within the last 10 years and has less than a 10th grade education. b. Multiple barriers – There are multiple barriers to employment, including but not limited to, alcohol or drug abuse, or lack of a driver’s license (making transportation to the work program site difficult). c. Child care difficulties – Caretaker relatives of a child aged 12 years or under and cannot arrange adequate childcare. d. Family problems – Experiencing domestic abuse and must attend counseling sessions that conflict with employment and training participation. e. Homelessness – Lacking adequate shelter or a permanent home and has one or more other limitations such as, but not limited to,

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130.6 Individual Exemptions (continued) a history of alcohol or drug abuse, lack of transportation, or inadequate clothing. f. Temporary illness or disability – Resulting in the inability to work for at least 90 days. g. Job-related – The registrant has been laid off temporarily with the expectation of returning to the same employer within three months or less, or an individual who has a verifiable offer of employment to begin within 90 days. h. Transitional living arrangement – Living in a temporary arrangement such as a shelter for battered women or other temporary housing during a family emergency. i. Migrant or seasonal worker – The registrant who moves from one region to another to work or seek work in agriculture or a related seasonal industry, or a registrant who is under contract or has a similar agreement with an employer to begin work within 30 days. j. Convicted offender – Performing unpaid work for a minimum of 30 hours weekly in lieu of sentencing. k. Pregnancy l. Transportation difficulties – No access to any mode of transportation or lives too far away (i.e. a round trip to and from the SNAP E&T program site or potential employer exceeds two hours by reasonable public or private transportation).

130.7 Local Department Responsibility

The Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) will:

A. Register each household member not exempt under the criteria listed in Section 130.5 for work. Complete the Work Exemption/WORKS Referrals screen in E&E.

B. Permit the applicant to complete Work Registration for each household member required to register for employment. ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.7 Local Department Responsibility (continued) C. Screen each work registrant to determine whether they are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependent (ABAWD). If so, ABAWD work activity requirements apply. See SNAP Manual section 106 for detailed ABAWD policy and procedures.

130.8 SNAP Employment and Training Program Voluntary Participants

A. In Maryland all E&T participation is voluntary. ABAWDS are not mandatory SNAP E&T participants. a. ABAWDs must participate in work activities but cannot be required to participate in a SNAP E&T program. b. ABAWDS who choose not to participate in a countable SNAP E&T program may meet the work activity requirements in other ways (detailed in SNAP Manual section 106).

B. SNAP E&T programs are available for any SNAP household members that choose to participate voluntarily. a. Voluntary participants are not subject to sanctions for non-compliance with SNAP E&T requirements.

130.9 SNAP Employment and Training Program Work Requirement Work Experience and workfare are governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage requirements.

130.10 Loss of Exemption Status Update the Work Exemption/WORKS Referrals screen in E&E when there is a change in circumstances that causes an individual to lose an exemption during the certification period. Otherwise, update individual’s registration who lose their exemption status due to a change not subject to the reporting requirements for work at the household’s next recertification.

130.11 Failure to Comply

A. Individuals that are required to register for work are ineligible if they: a. Refuse to register; ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.11 Failure to Comply (continued) b. Voluntarily quit a job without good cause; or c. Voluntarily reduce their work hours to less than 30 hours per week without good cause.

Note: An individual is exempt from Work Registration as long as they

earn at least the equivalent of the 30 hours pay at the hourly

federal minimum wage.

130.12 Failure to Comply with a Work Requirement under TCA or Unemployment Insurance

A. When a TCA customer fails to comply with a TCA work requirement and is sanctioned, add TCA phantom income on the SNAP case. B. Do not impose a sanction on the SNAP case for non-compliance with TCA requirements. C. Do not use phantom income when a customer’s unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are terminated for failure to comply with UI work requirements (because unemployment insurance is not a means-tested public benefit).

130.13 Ending a Disqualification

A. A disqualification period is a period of time where the customer is ineligible for SNAP benefits. The disqualification period begins on the date of the quit. The length of time disqualification period is in effect is determined by the violation instance: i. First violation - one month or the date of compliance, whichever is later. ii. Second violation - three months or the date of compliance, whichever is later. iii. Third or subsequent violation - 6 months or the date of compliance, whichever is later. B. Following the end of the disqualification period for non-compliance with Work Registration, voluntary quit, or voluntary reduction in work ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.13 Ending a Disqualification (continued) hours, participation may resume if a disqualified individual applies again and is determined eligible. C. Eligibility may be re-established during a disqualification period if the disqualified household member becomes exempt from Work Registration. 130.14 Suitable Employment Employment is considered suitable if the following conditions exist:

A. Earnings a. Must be equal to or more than the federal minimum wage, or b. The employment offered is on a piece-rate basis and the average hourly yield the employee can reasonably expect to earn is equal to or more than the federal minimum wage.

B. Union Membership - The household member, as a condition of employment, or continuing employment, is not required to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any legitimate labor organization.

C. Strikes - The work offered is not at a site subject to a strike or lockout at the time of the offer, unless the strike has been enjoined under §208 of the Labor-Management Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 78 commonly known as the Taft-Hartley Act), or unless an injunction has been issued under § 10 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 160).

130.15 Registrant Proof of Unsuitability for Voluntary Quit or Reduction of Work Hours Employment is considered suitable unless the household member can demonstrate, or the case manager becomes aware that:

A. The degree of risk to health and safety is unreasonable;

B. The member is physically or mentally unfit to perform the employment, as established by documentary medical evidence or reliable information obtained from other sources;

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130.15 Registrant Proof of Unsuitability for Voluntary Quit or Reduction of Work Hours (continued) C. The distance from the member’s home to the place of employment is unreasonable considering the expected wage and the time and cost of commuting. Employment is not suitable if: a. Daily commuting exceeds two hours per day, not including transporting children to and from daycare facilities; or b. The distance to employment prohibits walking and neither public nor private transportation is available to transport the member to the job site; or D. The working hours or nature of the employment interferes with the member’s religious observances, convictions, or beliefs.

130.16 Participation of Strikers Strikers whose households are eligible under SNAP Manual section 101 are subject to Work Registration unless exempt under section 130.5.

130.17 Voluntary Quit and Reduction of Work Effort

A. An individual is ineligible if, without good cause, the individual: a. Voluntarily quit a job of 30 hours per week or more; or b. Voluntarily reduce their work effort to less than 30 hours per week without good cause. B. To be considered a voluntary quit the following conditions must exist: a. The job was 30 hours or more per week or provided weekly earnings at least equivalent to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours; b. The quit happened within 30 days prior to application or anytime thereafter; and c. The quit was without good cause. C. To be considered a voluntary reduction of work effort the following conditions must exist: ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.17 Voluntary Quit and Reduction of Work Effort (continued) a. Before the reduction, the individual was employed 30 hours or more per week; b. The reduction occurred within 30 days prior to the date the application was filed or any time thereafter; and c. The reduction was without good cause.

130.18 Determination of Voluntary Quit

A. Participant Households a. When a participating household loses a source of income, determine if any currently unemployed household member quits their job under the conditions described in section 130.17 above. Do not delay benefits pending this determination. i. The eligibility worker may use an unemployment benefit determination as the basis for establishing whether a job was voluntarily quit. b. An employee of the federal, state, or local government who participates in a strike against the government and is dismissed from his or her job because of participating in the strike is considered to have voluntarily quit the job without good cause. c. The following situations are not considered a voluntary quit: i. If an individual quits a job, secures new employment at comparable wages or hours, and is then laid off or, through no fault of their own, loses the new job, then the earlier quit will not form the basis for disqualification. ii. Changes in employment status resulting from an employer initiated reduction in hours of employment, termination of a self-employment enterprise, or a resignation from a job at the demand of the employer. iii. Quitting a job that paid less than 30 times the hourly federal minimum wage.

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130.18 Determination of Voluntary Quit (continued) d. Determine if any household member voluntarily quit in the time between application and certification. If the household member is already participating in SNAP when a quit that occurred prior to certification is discovered, consider the individual as participating in SNAP for the purpose of imposing the penalty.

i. Upon a determination that an individual voluntarily quit employment, determine if the voluntary quit was with good cause as defined in section 130.20. ii. If the voluntary quit was not for good cause, the individual is ineligible for the following disqualification periods of time from beginning the date of the quit: iii. First violation - one month or the date of compliance, whichever is later. iv. Second violation - three months or the date of compliance, whichever is later. iii. Third or subsequent violation - 6 months or the date of compliance, whichever is later. e. If an individual in a participating household is found to have voluntarily quit a job without good cause, provide a notice of adverse action within 10 days after determination of the quit. The notice must: i. Contain the particular act of non-compliance; ii. Contain the proposed period of ineligibility; iii. Contain the actions that may be taken to end or avoid the disqualification; iv. Contain information to request a fair hearing; and, v. Specify that the individual may reapply at the end of the disqualification period. f. Voluntary Quit at the end of a Certification Period i. If a voluntary quit occurred in the last month of a certification period or is determined in the last 30 days of ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.18 Determination of Voluntary Quit (continued) the certification period, do not include the individual in the household for the corresponding period of time beginning with the day after the last certification period ends. ii. Example: Mr. A’s certification period is scheduled to end April 30. He completes his redetermination interview on April 15 for himself and two children ages 14 and 15. At that time the case manager finds that he voluntarily quit his job on April 3 and there is a voluntary quit disqualification from 6 months ago. Since this is his second work requirement sanction, he is ineligible for three months or until the date of compliance, whichever is later. g. If the household does not reapply for SNAP benefits by the end of the certification period after a member voluntarily quits a job, establish an overpayment claim for the SNAP benefits received by the household for the length of the penalty, as described in section 130.12(B), beginning the first of the month after the month in which the quit occurred

i. Example: On May 15 the case manager discovered that Mr. B quit a job on March 4. This is his second violation. Mr. B’s certification period ended May 31 and he did not reapply. Mr. B would not be eligible for April or May benefits. The penalty for a 2nd voluntary quit is three months or until compliance. The case manager establishes an overpayment claim for the SNAP benefits received in April and May. Mr. B is not eligible until July 1 or until he complies with the work requirements whichever is later. If Mr. B reapplies in July, if he is not working another job of 30 hours a week or equivalent to 30 times the federal minimum wage, he remains ineligible.

ii. NOTE: If the participating household’s SNAP benefits continue pending a fair hearing SNAP benefits do not extend past the end of the certification period and the local department determination is upheld, the disqualification period begins the first of the month after the hearing decision is rendered. ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.18 Determination of Voluntary Quit (continued) B. Applicant Households

a. Determine whether any unemployed household member who is required to register for work or who is exempt because the individual is working a minimum of 30 hours weekly or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours, has voluntarily quit a job within the last 30 days. If the case manager learns that a household member has lost a source of income after the date of application but before the household is certified, the case manager must determine whether a voluntary quit occurred. i. Advise the household of: 1. The reason for the denial of benefits for the individual; 2. The length of the disqualification period; 3. The individual’s right to reapply at the end of the disqualification period; and 4. The individual’s right to a fair hearing. ii. The individual disqualified for quitting a job will remain ineligible for the length of the disqualification period even if the individual joins a new household.

H. If an application for SNAP benefits is filed in the last month of the disqualification period, use the same application for denial of SNAP benefits in the remaining month of the disqualification and certification for any subsequent eligible months.

130.19 Exemptions from Voluntary Quit Provisions Voluntary quit provisions do not apply to persons who are exempt from Work Registration (as described in Section 130.5) at the time of the quit except when the individual is exempt because they are working a minimum of 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours.

______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.20 Good Cause for Voluntary Quit Good cause for leaving employment includes the good cause provisions found in Section 130.13 and resigning from a job that does not meet the suitability criteria in Section 130.15. Good cause for leaving employment also includes:

A. Discrimination by an employer based on age, race, sex, color, handicap, religious beliefs, national origin, or political beliefs.

B. Work demands or conditions that make continued employment unreasonable, such as working without being paid on schedule.

C. Acceptance of employment or enrollment of at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education that requires the individual to leave employment.

D. The household needs to move, causing the individual to leave employment when a household member accepts employment or enrolls at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education in another jurisdiction.

E. Resignations by persons under the age of 60 that are recognized by the employer as retirements.

F. Employment that becomes unsuitable by not meeting the criteria specified in Section 130.15 after acceptance of the employment.

G. Acceptance of a bona fide offer of employment of more than 30 hours a week or in which the weekly earnings are equivalent to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours which, because of circumstances beyond the control of the wage earner, either does not materialize or results in employment of less than 30 hours a week or weekly earnings of less than the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours.

H. Leaving a job in connection with patterns of employment in which workers frequently move from one employer to another, such as migrant farm labor or construction work. There may be some circumstances where households will apply for SNAP benefits between jobs particularly in cases where work may not yet be available at a new ______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.20 Good Cause for Voluntary Quit (continued) job site. Even though employment at the new site has not begun, leaving the previous employment is considered good cause if it is a part of the pattern of that type of employment.

130.21 Verification for Good Cause

A. When the information given by the household is questionable, request verification of the household’s statements indicating good cause.

B. The household has the primary responsibility for providing the verification. If it is difficult or impossible for the household to obtain documentary evidence in a timely manner, offer assistance to the household to obtain the verification.

C. Acceptable sources of verification include, but are not limited to, the previous employer, employer associations, union representatives, and grievance committees or organizations. When documentary evidence cannot be obtained, substitute a collateral contact. The local department is responsible for obtaining verification from acceptable collateral contacts provided by the household.

D. Do not deny SNAP eligibility if a quit resulted from circumstances that cannot be verified such as discrimination or for unreasonable work demands.

130.22 Ending a Voluntary Quit Disqualification

A. Following the end of the disqualification period, an individual may begin participating in SNAP if the individual applies again and is determined eligible.

B. The individual may re-establish eligibility during a disqualification period if the violator becomes exempt from Work Registration, except if the exemption is for TCA work registration or receipt of unemployment compensation.

______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

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130.23 Fair Hearings/Appeals

A. Each individual or household has the right to request a fair hearing to appeal a denial, reduction, or termination of SNAP benefits.

Note: In general, the only negative action case managers will take is when a customer refuses to register for work without good cause, or a customer voluntarily quits or reduces work without good cause.

B. Individuals may also appeal local department actions such as the determination of exemption status, the type of requirement imposed, or local department refusal to make a finding of good cause when the individual believes that a finding of failure to comply resulted from an improper decision.

______________________________________________________________________ REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL RESOURCES Section 200 Page 1

200.1 Purpose This section describes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resource limitations, included and excluded resources, and disqualification for certain transfers of resources. Please note that resources are not considered when determining eligibility for categorically eligible households. Remember, because of expanded categorical eligibility, you should not have any non-categorically eligible SNAP households. 200.2 General Information Uniform resource eligibility limits must be applied to non-categorically eligible households. The maximum allowable non-exempt resource limit is $2,250. Households containing an elderly member (age 60 or over) or disabled member are permitted to have $3,250 in non-exempt resources. See Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Manual section 212.3B 2-13 for the list of benefits that make non-categorically eligible households eligible for the higher resource standard because of disability. Note: The resource limits described above do not apply to categorically eligible households as described in section 115 (Categorical Eligibility) of this manual. Almost all SNAP households are categorically eligible and this policy on counting resources does not apply to them. 200.3 Included Resources for Households That Are Not Categorically Eligible A. Only for households that are not categorically eligible, document a household’s resources at the point of application in sufficient enough detail to permit verification. Verify the source, amount and frequency of all non-exempt resources only for households that are not categorically eligible. B. Only for non-categorically eligible households, verify non-exempt resources at application and recertification. C. The value of non-exempt resources is the equity value. The equity value is the fair market value less any amount owed on the resource. 200.31 Countable Resources Consider the following when determining the value of a household’s resources: A. Liquid resources, such as:

______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.31 Countable Resources (continued) 1. Cash on hand, and 2. Checking or savings accounts. B. Non-recurring lump sums Consider non-recurring lump sums as a resource in the month received unless otherwise excluded. Lump sum payments include but are not limited to the following: 1. Income tax refunds, rebates, or credits; 2. Retroactive Social Security benefits, SSI, TCA, Railroad Retirement or any other retroactive benefits payment; 3. Lump sum insurance settlements; 4. Refunds of rent or utility deposits; 5. Cash lottery prizes; and 6. A Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) Reminder: Some WAG payments are reimbursements. See Sec. 211.3G for treatment of reimbursements. Note:Interim assistance to families awaiting benefits from unemployment, social security or SSI may not be excluded as a non-recurring lump sum payment because the payment is designed to provide assistance for normal living expenses.

If the local department anticipates only one payment, consider it a non-recurring lump sum payment if it meets the above criteria. However, if a second payment is made later in the same 12 month period, do not consider the second payment as a non-recurring lump sum. Either count the second WAG payment as income or, if applicable, exclude it as a reimbursement.

If more than one payment is anticipated, count them as income or, if applicable, exclude them as reimbursements.

______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.32 Jointly Owned Resources A. Consider resources owned jointly by two or more households totally available to the applicant unless the applicant can demonstrate that the resource is inaccessible. B. Consider a resource unavailable to the household if it cannot be practically subdivided and the household’s access to it is dependent on the agreement of the joint owner who refuses to comply. C. Count only the accessible portion if a household has access to only a portion of a resource. Disregard the entire value of the resource if it is totally inaccessible because the joint owner refuses to cooperate. D. Consider the resources of residents of shelters for battered women and children (as defined in Section 103 of this manual) as inaccessible when: 1. The resources are jointly owned by members of their former household; and 2. The resident’s access to the resources is dependent on the agreement of the joint owner who still resides in the former household. 200.33 Resources of Non-Household Members A. Exclude the resources of non-household members in non-categorically eligible households, such as ineligible students, unless the individual is: 1. Disqualified for failure to provide a social security number, 2. An ineligible alien, 3. Disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation (IPV), 4. A felony drug felon, 5. A fleeing felon, 6. Disqualified for failure to comply with work requirements, or 7. An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD). B. For the above categories of disqualified persons, count the person’s resources as available to the remaining eligible household members. ______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.4 Excluded Resources Certain resources are not counted when determining whether a household is below the allowable resource limit. Remember, because of expanded categorical eligibility, you should not have any non-categorically eligible SNAP households. 200.41 Excluded Resources A. Exclude all resources except for cash on hand and checking and savings accounts. B – H describes resources that may be deposited in a bank account but are excluded. B. Disaster-related loans and grants Exclude any governmental payment designated to restore a home damaged in a disaster, if the household is subject to a legal sanction for using the payment for other purposes. C. Inaccessible resources 1. Inaccessible resources include but are not limited to the following: (a)Irrevocable trust funds; (b)Inaccessible jointly owned resources; 2. Consider as inaccessible any funds in a trust, or transferred to a trust Including income produced by the trust if: (a)The trust arrangement is not likely to end during the certification period; (b)No household member has the power to revoke the trust arrangement or change the name of the beneficiary during the certification period; (c)The trustee administering the fund is either: (i) A court, or an institution, corporation, or organization that is not under the direction or ownership of any household member, or (ii)An individual (including a household member) who has court imposed limitations to restrict use of the fund to benefit the specific person named by the trust; ______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.41 Excluded Resources (continued) (d)Trust investments made on behalf of the trust do not directly involve or assist any business or corporation under the control, direction or influence of a household member; and (e)The funds in the irrevocable trust are either from: (i) The household’s own funds solely to make investments on behalf of the trust to pay the educational or medical expenses of any person named by the household creating the trust, or (ii)Non-household funds by a non-household member. D. Resources that have been prorated as income (Including income of students or self - employed persons) E. Resources/ Income excluded by Federal Statute 1. Benefits received under the special supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC); 2. Benefits received under the National School Lunch Act (School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Summer Food Service Program for Children, Commodity Distribution Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program); 3. Benefits received under the Disaster Relief Act; 4. Benefits received under the Higher Education Act; 5. Benefits received from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act except for on-the-job training payments to: (a)Youths, other than dependents under 19 years old, in year round programs, and (b)Adults; 6. Benefits received under the Agent Orange Compensation Exclusion of 1989; 7. Benefits received under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990; ______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.41 Excluded Resources (continued) 8. Benefits received under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 (Wartime Relocation of Civilians); 9. Benefits received under the Crime Act of 1984; 10.Benefits received under the Nazi Persecution Crime Act; 11. Benefits received under Public Law 104-204 (Payments to a child of a Vietnam veteran for a disability resulting from spina bifida suffered by the child); 12.Reimbursements from the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy Act of 1970; 13.Payments received under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act or the Sac Fox Indian claims agreement; 14.Payments received by certain Indian tribal members involving sub-marginal land held in trust by the United States; 15.Payments received from the disposition of funds to the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians; 16.Payments received by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation and the Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation from the Indian Claims Commission; 17.Payments to the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation or any of their members received pursuant to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1990; 18.Payments of relocation assistance to members of the Navajo and Hopi Tribes; 19.Energy assistance payments under the following circumstances: (a)Federal energy assistance, except that provided under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act (Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996); (b)Federal or State one-time assistance for weatherization or emergency repair, or replacement of heating or cooling devices; ______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.41 Excluded Resources (continued) (c)Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) payments or allowances. LIHEAP funds the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP); (d)State or local general assistance for energy assistance which (under State law cannot be provided in cash directly to the household); 20.All student financial assistance; 21. Any Federal, State, or local Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), F. Where an exclusion applies because of the use of a resource by or for a household member, the exclusion will also apply when the resource is used by or for an ineligible alien or disqualified member whose resources are counted as part of the household’s resources. G. The resources of any household member who receives SSI, TCA or TDAP or Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) or any service funded by the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. H. Funds deposited into an individual development account (IDA). 200.42 Handling Excluded Funds A. Excluded funds, including any interest earned on those funds, kept in a separate account remain excluded indefinitely. B. Any excluded funds co-mingled in an account with other funds remain exempt for six months only. Six months after the funds are co-mingled, consider all funds in the account before the end of the sixth month a countable resource. C. Once excluded funds are co-mingled, they cannot later be withdrawn and placed in a separate account for the purposes of an exemption.

EXCEPTION: The resources of students and self-employed persons that have been prorated as income retain their exclusion for the period of time over which they were prorated.

______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.43 Verification Verification of an excluded resource is not ordinarily required because the resource does not affect household eligibility. Request verification in questionable cases (e.g. the household misrepresents an otherwise countable resource as one that would be excluded). 200.5 Transfer of Resources Remember, because of expanded categorical eligibility, you should not have any non-categorically eligible SNAP households. A. At application, request non-categorically eligible households to provide information regarding any resources the household has transferred during the three-month period immediately preceding the date of application. B. Disqualify from participation in the SNAP those households that transfer resources knowingly, for the purposes of qualifying or attempting to qualify for benefits (the disqualification period is for up to one year from the date of transfer discovery). C. The disqualification penalty also applies to households that transfer resources after they are determined eligible for the purpose of remaining eligible. For example, a household acquires a resource after being recertified, and transfers the resource to avoid exceeding the resource limit. 200.51 Acceptable Transfers The following transfers do not affect eligibility for SNAP: A. Resources that do not otherwise affect eligibility, including resources that are already excluded or resources that, when added to all other non-exempt resources, would not put the household over the limit; B. Resources that are sold or traded at, or near, fair market value. Note: Evaluate as a resource the money or items received in trade, unless the resource is otherwise exempt. If a household subsequently transfers the money or items, evaluate the second transfer separately. C. Resources that are transferred between members of the same SNAP household;

______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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200.51 Acceptable Transfers (continued) D. Resources that are transferred for reasons other than qualifying or attempting to qualify for benefits. For example, a parent sets up an educational trust fund that meets the definition of an excludable trust fund. 200.52 Establishing a Disqualification Give households a reasonable opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding a transfer of resources. Do not disqualify the household if the household can establish a valid reason for the transfer, other than the intent to qualify. Do not disqualify a categorically eligible household. A. Deny the household’s application if it is determined it transferred resources knowingly, with the intent to qualify for benefits. The denial notice must state the reason for and length of disqualification as well as the right to a fair hearing. B. The disqualification period begins with the month of application. C. Send a Notice of Adverse Action explaining the reason for and length of the disqualification if a household’s case is active at the time a transfer is discovered. D. The disqualification period begins with the first allotment following the expiration of the adverse action period, unless the household requests a fair hearing and continued benefits (benefits are not continued if the certification period has expired and eligibility has not been redetermined). E. Do not impose a disqualification penalty more than once for the same transfer. The case manager must very clearly document that the disqualification was implemented. 200.53 Determining the Length of the Disqualification

A. Base the length of disqualification on the amount that exceeds the resource limit when the value of the transferred resource is added to all other countable resources. ______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

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B. To determine the length of the disqualification period: 1. Add the value of the transferred resource to the total countable resources; 2. Subtract the appropriate resource limit from the total amount;

3. The remainder is the amount in excess of the resource limit that is used to determine the length of the disqualification:

AMOUNT IN EXCESS

PERIOD OF

OF RESOURCE LIMIT

DISQUALIFICATION

$ 0 - 249.99

1 Month

250 - 999.99

3 Months

1,000 - 2,999.99

6 Months

3,000 - 4,999.99

9 Months

5,000 or More

12 Months

EXAMPLE: A one-person household that is not categorically eligible, with $5,000 in the bank, transfers $3,500 to a relative. A determination is made that the transfer was made for the purpose of qualifying for the program, resulting in disqualification of the household. The amount in excess of the resource limit is computed as follows:

$ 3,500 Transferred amount

1,500 Bank account

$ 5,000 (total resources)

- 2,000 (resource limit)

$ 3,000 (excess resources)

Based on this computation, the household is disqualified for a period of 9 months.

______________________________________________________________________ REVIEWED JUNE 2026

201.1 Purpose

This section describes the treatment of vehicles.

201.2 General Information

All vehicles are excluded resources when determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. The type of vehicle does not matter (automobile, boat, recreational vehicle, or airplane, etc.).

Case managers are not required to complete motor vehicle screens to verify ownership of any vehicle.

Vehicle and insurance payments are still considered when exploring the possibility of a deficit budget. Do Not Count!These are excluded resources

210.1 Purpose

This section describes income factors that the case manager must consider when determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and benefit levels. It defines income that must be included in the eligibility determination.

210.2 General Information

When determining eligibility for the SNAP the local department will:

Evaluate the household’s total income. Some of the household’s income may be excluded from consideration (see Section 211, Excluded Income).

Determine the excluded income first, as it will have no impact on the household’s eligibility.

Identify and verify all included income and correctly enter the income on E&E.

210.3 Included Income

All earned income and unearned income of each household member are included unless specifically excluded.

Identification of income as earned, self-employment, or unearned helps you determine whether the household is entitled to the earned income deduction.

210.31 Earned Income

The case manager will use the gross amount of earned income.

No deductions are given for taxes, etc.

A 20 percent earned income deduction is applied to earned income.

Earned income includes:

Wages, including tips;

Salaries;

Vacation pay;

210.31 Earned Income (continued)

Garnishments from wages, such as child support payments.

Garnishments may appear as deductions from gross pay. Count the gross wages.

Do not count an amount withheld to repay a prior overpayment received from that same source.

Sick benefits paid by an employer to an employee who expects to return to work;

Striker’s income prior to the strike as if it were still being received;

Training Allowances

Training allowances from vocational and rehabilitative programs recognized by federal, state, or local governments are earned income when they are not reimbursements, or to the extent, they exceed the expenses they are intended to reimburse. (See Section 211 (G) for treatment of reimbursements.)

Earnings from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.

Consider earned income (EI) earnings of individuals who are participating in on-the-job training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This does not apply to household members under age 19 who are under the parental control of another adult member, regardless of school attendance. (See Section 211.3 (K) for a complete listing of excludable income under Federal statute.)

In certain special households, income may be treated differently. These special households are described in the following sections:

Section 101 – Strikers

Section 102 – Students

Section 103 – Residents of Shelters

Section 104 – Self-employed Households/Farmers

Section 105 – Households with Boarders

210.31 Earned Income (continued)

Section 108 – Households with Non-Members or Disqualified Members

Section 109 – Residents of Group Living Arrangements, Veterans and Spouses/Children; Elderly and Disabled Living with others

Section 401 – Expedited Households

Military Re-Enlistment Bonuses may be paid in two ways and it is up to the branch of the military to decide who is eligible to receive a bonus and how it is paid:

A lump sum which is considered a non-recurring lump sum payment (resource) in the month received, or

As a 50% lump sum and the balance in annual payments. The entire bonus amount is counted as earned income.

Average the initial lump sum over a 12 month period

Treat remaining payments as an annuity and average over 12 months.

210.32 Self-employment Income

Consider self-employment income as a type of earned income.

Calculate self-employment income in the following manner:

Households with self-employment income receive a 50 percent earned income deduction applied to its gross self-employment earnings. The deduction is intended to cover the self-employed household’s cost to do business. If entered correctly, E&E will compute the deduction. (See Section 104 for more information about self-employed households.)

Apply the 20% earned income deduction to the net income amount.

Example: A self-employed daycare provider had $12,000 gross annual income from her business. The annualized amount is $1,000 per month. 50% of $1,000 is $500. $1,000 minus $500 equals $500. 20% of $500 is $100. $500 minus $100 equals $400. $400 is this customer’s net earned income from self-employment.

NOTE: Consider self-employment (SE) income rental payments received by individuals who own rental property. If the individual is actively engaged in management of the rental property at least 20 hours per week, treat the income as earned income, and allow the 50 percent cost-to-produce income deduction. If the individual spends less than 20 hours per week managing the property, treat the income as unearned income after subtracting the 50 percent deduction for cost-to-produce.

Example: Mr. and Mrs. Brown own a duplex. They live in duplex A and rent out duplex B. They receive $500 monthly in rental payments from duplex B. They do not spend 20 hours per week in the management of the property. They are entitled to a 50 percent self-employment deduction. ($500x.50=$250). The household’s countable rental income is $250.

Treat room and/or board income as self-employment income regardless of the time spent in this activity, if the roomers and/or boarders live with the SNAP household. Deduct 50 percent of the gross roomer and/or boarder income as the cost-to-produce. Then apply the 20 percent earned income deduction. The remainder is the adjusted net income and is countable earned income for the household.

210.33 Unearned Income

The local department will use the gross amount of unearned income. No deductions are given.

Example: No deduction is made from Social Security benefits for Medicare. No deduction is made for taxes withheld from Unemployment Insurance or retirement benefits or from Worker’s Compensation.

Unearned income, to which the earned income deduction cannot be applied, includes the following:

Assistance payments based on need, such as:

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA),

Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)

Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI),

Foster care and guardianship care only when the child is included in the SNAP household,

Adoption subsidies;

Public Assistance to Adults (PAA).

Annuities,

Pensions,

Retirement benefits,

Severance pay,

Veteran’s benefits,

Disability payments,

Unemployment insurance benefits,

Strike benefits,

Gross rental income less the 50 percent cost-to-produce from rental property when the household member is not actively engaged in the management of the property at least 20 hours per week,

Child support payments made directly to the household by non-household members,

Child Support Pass-Through payments received from the Child Support Administration (CSA),

Beginning July 1, 2019, all or a portion of child support payments received through DHS’s CSA will be passed through to eligible TCA households’ EBT cards. This pass-through benefit is countable toward SNAP benefits as unearned income. E&E calculates the average of three consecutive months of child support payments and determines the unearned income amount that will be counted toward the household’s SNAP benefit calculation. Should the non-custodial parent miss a child support monthly payment, E&E will stop counting the pass-through toward the SNAP benefits. There must be at least three consecutive months of child support payments received before E&E can recalculate the unearned income and begin counting it toward SNAP benefits again. This pass-through benefit is applicable only to child support payments made directly from CSA to the TCA household for minors receiving TCA.

Note: More information on the child support pass-through benefit can be found in TCA Manual Section 1312.

Alimony payments made directly to the household by non-household members,

Payments from government-sponsored programs,

Income from annuities or dividends, even when not withdrawn,

Interest and royalties,

Assistance payments from programs that require as a condition of eligibility the actual performance of work without compensation, other than the assistance payment,

Unearned income of a sponsor and the sponsor’s spouse (if living with the sponsor) that is deemed available to the sponsored immigrant, and

All other direct money payments that can be construed to be a gain or benefit to the household.

210.34 Income of an Ineligible or Disqualified Individual

Count the earned or unearned income in its entirety, minus the appropriate deductions, of an individual disqualified from the household for an individual:

Disqualified for Intentional Program Violation as described in Section 480,

During any period he or she is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement after conviction for a felony, or violating a condition of parole or probation,

Convicted of an offense that is classified as a drug felony, occurring after August 22, 1996,

Noncompliance with work requirements as described in Section 130.

Count as income the earned or unearned income, less a pro-rata share for the individual or individuals who are ineligible:

For failure to comply with social security requirements as described in Section 405,

For failure to comply with the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements (such as failing to be employed an average of 80 hours per month) as described in Section 130.24, or

Because they do not meet citizenship or immigrant requirements as described in Section 120.

210.35 Third Party Payments

The local department will count third party payments as household income.

A third party payment is money owed to a household, but paid directly to someone outside the household for a household expense.

Third party payments include:

Wages that are withheld by the employer and paid directly to a third party for household expenses such as rent, property taxes, or child support,

Public Assistance payments that are sent to a third party or to a protective payee for a purpose such as managing the household’s expenses,

Money deducted from a court order or binding written support or alimony payment and sent to a third party for household expenses, and

Money deducted to repay a prior underpayment of taxes to the IRS. This includes any payments specified by a court order to go directly to a third party rather than the household.

210.36 Failure to Comply with Requirements of a Federal, state or Local Means-tested Assistance Program

Reduction of Public Assistance Benefits

When a household’s means-tested public assistance is reduced or terminated because a household member fails to perform an action required under the assistance program, count the full amount of the public assistance payment as phantom income for SNAP benefits. This is done so that the SNAP benefits will not increase. Examples of means-tested programs include TCA, TDAP, and PAA.

Note: SSI is not a public assistance program for the purposes of phantom income policy.

The failure to comply with a requirement of the means-tested program does not have to be intentional.

If the local department is unsuccessful in obtaining the necessary cooperation from another State, federal or local means-tested program, it will not be held responsible for noncompliance with the rule as long as a good faith effort has been made to get the information.

The income from the means-tested program is frozen at the same amount received before the penalty.

Procedural vs. Substantive Requirements.

A procedural requirement, which does not trigger phantom income, is a step that a customer must take to continue to get assistance, such as providing verification. Do not use phantom income for not complying with a procedural requirement.

A substantive requirement, which triggers SNAP phantom income, is a behavioral requirement that is designed to improve the well being of the household. Examples include:

Work and child support requirements,

Requirements for school attendance,

Requirements for health checkups for children under age 6,

Compliance with substance abuse requirements.

Limits on Imposing the Sanction.

This policy does not apply to customers who fail to perform a required action at the time of application;

This policy applies at the time of redetermination for continued benefits if there is no break in participation;

The customer must be certified for SNAP benefits at the time of the failure to perform the required action.

Example: Mr. B receives TCA for himself, his wife, and children. They do not receive SNAP benefits. In April Mr. B refused to participate in a work activity and the TCA was closed. In May Mr. B applied for SNAP benefits. The case manager will not use phantom income in this situation.

Assistance payments are “reduced” if they are decreased, suspended or terminated.

Penalty Periods for TCA

Failure to Comply with a Child Support Requirement - Failure to comply without good cause results in a full family sanction. The penalty will end upon compliance with the program requirement.

Failure to Comply with a Work Requirement - For noncompliance with a work activity the penalty period will end as follows:

For the first instance of noncompliance, the penalty ends upon compliance.

For the second instance of noncompliance, the penalty ends 10 days after compliance with the activity.

For the third and subsequent instance of noncompliance, the penalty period ends after 30 days of compliance with the work requirement.

Finding of Fraud - An assistance unit is ineligible for the following periods of time upon a finding of fraud by a court of law:

For six months after the first finding of fraud or until full repayment of the overpayment,

For 12 months after the second finding of fraud or until full repayment of the overpayment,

Permanently after the third finding of fraud.

Failure to comply with substance abuse requirements.

Failure to obtain preschool health or to ensure the school attendance of children in the home. This is a $25 disallowance.

After a finding of fraud in the TCA program, continue the SNAP certification period until it expires. If the household reapplies for SNAP benefits during the TCA penalty period, when possible, establish a certification period that ends at the same time the TCA penalty ends.

Example: An assistance unit that had received a $648 TCA grant is terminated because of a second fraud finding. The family is ineligible for TCA for 12 months. The TCA amount countable for SNAP benefits until the end of the penalty period is $648.

In some SNAP situations, a penalty period for noncompliance with a requirement is ended and the sanction is considered cured even though an individual does not technically comply with the TCA program requirement. When a penalized household becomes technically or financially ineligible for TCA or another means-tested benefit, the frozen TCA income is no longer counted in the calculation of the SNAP benefit.

Include the TCA benefit received prior to the reduction or closure of TCA as income for SNAP benefits when a TCA assistance unit is sanctioned for failing to comply with a requirement of Family Investment Program (FIP) or when an assistance unit member has been found guilty of fraud.

Take action on changes in household circumstances that are not related to the penalty imposed by a means-tested program.

Count the public assistance benefit to maintain the SNAP benefit at the same level during the period of reduction, suspension, or termination.

Count the amount recouped from a public assistance benefit for intentional, household-caused overpayments.

210.4 Verification

Verify gross non-exempt income at application and recertification.

See Section 420 for required verification when a change is reported.

The primary source for obtaining verification of income is the applicant. Verification may be made from documentary sources such as pay stubs or from

verbal or written statements made by the employer or the agency from which the income is received.

In addition to verifying reported income, the local department may need to consider the possibility of unreported income. Some situations that may indicate unreported income are:

State Verification Exchange System (SVES) indicates receipt of Social Security Administration administered benefits.

Maryland Automated Benefits System (MABS) indicates work history or receipt of unemployment insurance benefits

Shelter payments exceed reported income

Verify earned income through the applicant whenever possible by viewing the following:

Pay stubs or pay envelopes

Employee’s W-2 form

Other sources of verification include:

1. Employers wage records

2. Statement from employer

3. MABS/SVES

4. Court support order, divorce or separation papers

5. Award letters

NOTE: In cases where attempts made by the applicant and/or agency to obtain verification are unsuccessful because the source of the income is uncooperative, and all other sources of verification have been tried, do not deny the household solely on this basis. Consult with the applicant and use the best available information to arrive at an amount to be used.

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211.1 Purpose This section defines which types of income are excluded from consideration when determining the household’s eligibility and benefit level for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 211.2 General Information A. The local department will not count income from certain sources when determining a household’s eligibility and allotment. B. The local department must verify excluded income when the household has no included income or very low income and the presence of the excluded income explains how the household can live without income. 211.3 Excluded Income The local department will exclude only the following types of income. Treat all other income as included income. A. Infrequent and Irregular Income - Any income in the certification period which is received too infrequently or irregularly to be reasonably anticipated provided: a. Earned income does not exceed $30 in a calendar quarter. If the amount exceeds $30, the full amount is counted as income; and b. Unearned income does not exceed $200 every 6 months. If the amount exceeds the limit, the full amount is counted as income. B. Educational assistance awarded to a household member enrolled at a recognized institution of post secondary education, at a school for persons with disabilities, in a vocational education program, or in a program that provides for obtaining a secondary school diploma or the equivalent of a secondary school diploma. This includes but is not limited to: a. Grants; b. Scholarships; c. Fellowships; d. Educational loans on which payment is deferred; REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) e. Work-study; and f. Veterans educational benefits. C. All loans, including loans from private individuals as well as commercial institutions. a. A formal repayment agreement is not required; however, the intent to repay the loan must exist. i. The customer must provide a signed statement regarding the repayment obligation from the individual making the loan. ii. If the customer indicates that the source of the loan refuses to provide a signed statement for verification purposes, the case manager must attempt to reach the loan source to independently verify the information declared by the customer. iii. If the source of the loan refuses to cooperate with the case manager, they may accept the household’s statement regarding the repayment agreement. b. Do not confuse loans with advances in income. The local department will count an income advance as income when it is received. D. Money received for the care and maintenance of a third-party beneficiary who is not a household member includes payments to a guardian or protective payee for care of a non-household member. a. If the intended beneficiaries of a single payment are both household and non-household members, exclude only that portion of the payment intended for the non-household member.

Example 1: A child who is a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) recipient is attending Maryland School for the Deaf. The child is included in the TCA grant. A pro-rata share of the TCA grant is excluded and the child is excluded from the SNAP benefit household during the school year when they do not reside in the household.

REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued)

Example 2: Customer A is applying for SNAP for themselves only. They are the payee for their child’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment but the child lives in a group home and is not part of the SNAP household. Customer A uses the entire amount of SSDI to pay the child’s bills. This SSDI payment is not counted as income for Customer A’s SNAP benefits.

Note: If Customer A uses part of the SSDI payment for their own expenses, the portion used is countable income for the SNAP household. b. If the non-household member’s portion cannot be readily identified, prorate the payment evenly among the intended beneficiaries. Exclude the non-household member’s prorated portion or the actual cost of care and maintenance, whichever is less. E. The earned income of 17 year old or younger elementary or high school students (including those who attend GED or home-school classes that are recognized, operated, or supervised by the State or the student’s local school district). Note: Begin counting this income in the month following the month in which the student turns 18. a. The student must live with their natural, adoptive, or stepparents or be under the parental control of a household member other than a parent. b. The student must be attending school for enough time for the State or local school district to consider the person a student regardless of the amount of time spent in class. This exclusion applies during school breaks and vacations provided the student plans to attend school when regular sessions resume. c. If the student’s portion of earned income cannot be differentiated from that of other household members, the income is evenly prorated among all the individuals who earned the income. Do not consider the student’s pro-rata share. d. Do not exclude the earned income of an elementary or high school student who lives on their own. REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) F. Non-recurring lump-sum payments including payments a household expects to receive during the certification period (treated as a resource in the month received, unless specifically excluded by Federal statute). Such payments include, but are not limited to: a. Income tax refunds; b. Rebates or credits; c. Retroactive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments; d. SSI installment payments; e. Railroad retirement benefits or other payments; f. Insurance settlements; or g. Refunds of security deposits on rental property or utilities.

G. Reimbursements for specifically identified past or future expenses (other than normal living expenses). a. To be excluded, the reimbursement must be used for the purpose intended. b. Any portion of the reimbursement that exceeds actual incurred expenses is not excluded. A reimbursement is not considered excessive unless the provider of the payment or household indicated it was. c. Do not exclude reimbursements that represent a gain or benefit to the household. For example, reimbursements for normal household living expenses such as rent or mortgage, personal clothing, or food eaten at home, are a gain or benefit and are not excludable.

Note: When a reimbursement covers several expenses, the expenses do not have to be separately identified unless part of the reimbursement covers normal living expenses. d. Excludable reimbursements include, but are not limited to those for:

REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) i. Flat allowances over the regular wage for job or training related expenses such as travel, per diem, uniforms, and transportation to and from the job or training site; ii. Travel expenses incurred by migrant workers; iii. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in their work; iv. Medical expenses or dependent care (including daycare and attendant care payments for services provided by a non-household member); or v. Paying for services provided by Title XX of the Social Security Act (other than normal living expenses). Note: If a household incurs job or training-related expenses and is not reimbursed, those expenses cannot be deducted from the earnings. Deductions are limited to those contained in SNAP Manual Section 212 Deductions. H. Income In-kind: Any gain or benefit which is not in the form of money payable directly to the household, such as meals, clothing, public housing, produce from a garden, and shelter provided by an employer. I. Third party payments not owed to the household and paid directly to someone outside the household for a household expense. However, not all third party payments are excludable (see SNAP Manual Section 210 Income for included third party payments). Third party payments are excluded if: a. The person making the payment is not a household member; b. The person or organization uses its own funds to make a direct payment to pay the household’s creditors or a person or organization providing a service to the household; c. EAFC payments and TCA payments are made jointly to the household and vendor. If the household has full access to a payment, it cannot be excluded; d. Made by a friend or relative who is not a household member and paid directly to the landlord for rent; REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) e. Rent or mortgage payments to the landlord or mortgage holder funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); f. Made by a government agency to a child care institution to provide care for a household member; or g. Made under a court order or other legally binding agreement requiring direct payment to a third party. Reminder: An expense covered by an excluded vendor payment (except for Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) payments) or an excluded reimbursement is not deductible. J. Child Support payments received by TCA recipients which must be transferred to the Child Support Administration (CSA) to maintain TCA eligibility. This exclusion applies even if the household does not send direct child support to IV-D. K. Income that is specifically excluded by Federal statute. The following laws provide an exclusion: a. The National School Lunch Act; b. The Child Nutrition Act of 1966; c. Veterans’ Benefits Improvement and Health Care Authorization Act of 1986; d. The Disaster Relief Act of 1974, including: i. Disaster Relief employment funded under national emergency grants; and ii. Disaster unemployment assistance; e. Section 204(b)(1)(C) or section 264(c)(1)(A) of the Workforce Investment Act (except for the earnings of a household member who is under 19 years old under parental control of another adult member; REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) f. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1986; g. The Higher Education Amendments of 1992; h. The Housing and Community Development Act of 1987; i. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act; j. Public Law 103-286 (Payments made to individuals because of their status as victims of Nazi persecution); k. The Crime Act of 1984; l. Public Law 104-204 (A monthly allowance paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran born with spina bifida); m.The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real-Property Acquisition Policy Act of 1970; n. The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 (Wartime Relocation of Civilians); o. Agent Orange Compensation Exclusion Act of 1989; p. Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990; q. Military Combat Pay; r. The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. AmeriCorps payments fall under this act; s. Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990; t. Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (YouthBuild Program). Treat payments received under this Act like JTPA payments as described in section 211.3(J)(5); u. Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act; v. Title II (RSVP, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion Program, and others) of the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973, as amended. Payments under Title I of the Act (including payments from such Title I programs as VISTA, University Year for Action, and Urban Crime Prevention Program) to volunteers REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) are excluded if the volunteer was receiving SNAP benefits or public assistance at the time they joined the Title I program. Temporary interruptions in SNAP participation will not affect the exclusion once an initial determination is made; w. Income from certain sub-marginal land that is held in trust for certain Indian Tribes (P.L. 94-114, Section 6); x. The interests on an individual Indian’s trusts or restricted lands (an excluded resource), and up to $2,000 per year derived from such interests and received by individual Indians (P.L. 93-134); y. Income of an SSI recipient that is necessary for the fulfillment of a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) which has been approved by the Social Security Administration. This income may be spent in accordance with an approved PASS or deposited into a PASS savings account; z. All student financial assistance that is funded in whole or in part under Title IV or Part E of Title XVII of the Higher Education Act or under a Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program. aa.The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1990 which includes the following: i. Model Program of Regional Training for Skilled Trades; ii. Demonstration Projects for the Integration of Vocational and Academic Programs; iii. Indian Vocational Education Program; iv. Native Hawaiian Vocational Education Program; v. State Vocational and Applied Technology Education Program which includes the following: 1. State Program and State Leadership Activities; 2. Program for Single Parents, Displaced Homemakers and Single Pregnant Women; REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) 3. Sex Equity Program; 4. Programs for Criminal Offenders; 5. Secondary School Vocational Education Program; 6. Post-Secondary and Adult Vocational Education Program; 7. State Assistance for Vocational Education Support programs for Community-Based Organizations; 8. Consumer and Homemaking Education Program; 9. Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling Program; 10.Business-Labor-Education Partnership for Training Program; 11. National Tech-Prep Education Program; 12.State-administered Tech-Prep Education Program; 13.Supplemental State Grants for Facilities and Equipment and other Program Activities; 14.Community Education Employment Centers Program; 15.Vocational Education Lighthouse Schools Programs; 16.Tribally Controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions Program; 17.Vocational Education Research Program; 18.National Network for Curriculum Coordination in Vocational and Technical Education; 19.National Center for Research in Vocational Education; 20.Materials Development in Telecommunications Program; 21.Demonstration Centers for the Training of Dislocated Workers Program; 22.Vocational Education Training and Study Grants Program; REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) 23.Vocational Education Leadership Development Awards Program; 24.Vocational Educator Training Fellowships Program; 25.Internships for Gifted and Talented Vocational Education Students Program; 26.Business and Education Standards Program; 27.Blue Ribbon Vocational Education Program; 28.Educational Programs for Federal Corrections Institutions; 29.Vocational Education Dropout Prevention Program; 30.Cooperative Demonstration Programs; 31.Bilingual Vocational Training Program; 32.Bilingual Vocational Instructor Training Program; 33.Bilingual Materials, Methods and Techniques Program; bb.Veterans’ Benefits Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986; cc. Income from programs supported by the Older Americans Act (Title V) which address the needs of older or disabled adults and their caregivers: i. Programs for Older Adults, such as assistance with transportation, in-home care, community-based services such as adult daycare; ii. Programs for People with Disabilities such as education and assistive technology; iii. Combined Aging and Disability Programs such as access to long-term services and supports; dd.Wartime Relocation of Civilians;

REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) ee.Domestic Volunteers Services Act of 1973 (Titles I and II as amended); and ff. Public Law 104 –193, Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, funds in an Individual Development Account (IDA) under the TANF block grant for any period during which such individuals maintain or make contributions into such accounts;

L. Charitable Contributions based on need from one or more private organizations;

Note: Donations that are not from a nonprofit charitable organization

as unearned income. M.Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) payments received either as a lump sum, as advance payments in paycheck, or as a reduction in taxes that would have been paid at the end of the year; N. Income withheld from an assistance payment, earned income, or other source that is voluntarily or involuntarily returned to the source to repay a prior overpayment received from that income source; a. This exclusion does not apply to means-tested public assistance income sources when the overpayment was intentionally caused by the household. b. SSI is not considered to be a means-tested public assistance program for this policy. Count the net amount of SSI when a portion is deducted to repay an overpayment. c. Count the amount recouped from TCA benefits for overpayments that are the result of an Intentional Program Violation (IPV). O. Reverse Mortgages that require repayment from the estate (because they are considered loans); P. Utility reimbursements or allowances paid by Housing and Urban Development directly to a household; Q. Interest Earned on checking, money market, or savings accounts (Interest on any other type of account is countable); and REVISED APRIL 2026

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211.3 Excluded Income (continued) R. The cost to produce (50 percent of the gross income) from a self-employment enterprise (this does not apply for farmers, fishermen, and watermen). 211.4 Verification A. Because excluded income does not affect household eligibility, verification is not required unless the included income is not sufficient to cover the household’s reported expenses. Example: Customer A reports that they receive $500 per month in Veteran’s Benefits and $500 per month in work-study income. Customer A reports that they pay $500 per month in rent and that they are also responsible for an electric bill. Because the amount of included income (the Veteran’s Benefits) does not cover the cost of the reported expenses, the case manager must request verification of the excluded income (the work-study) to determine whether the household is in a deficit budget that must be addressed. B. If the case manager is unable to determine whether income is excludable with the information provided, the case manager may request verification. C. If only a portion of the income is excluded, verification of the income is required as outlined in SNAP Manual Section 408 Verification. D. The case manager must narrate the existence of any excluded income and the reasons for the exclusion thoroughly.

REVISED APRIL 2026

212.1 Purpose

This section describes the allowable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) deductions.

212.2 General Information

Certain deductions are allowed when determining net monthly income for SNAP purposes. No other deductions from gross countable income are permitted. The deductions allowed for households with aged and/or disabled members differ from those for all other households.

212.3 Allowable Deductions for Households with Aged/Disabled Members

The allowable deductions for households with aged or disabled members include the following:

The standard deduction (See SNAP Manual Section 600);

The earned income deduction (20% of gross earned income and 50% for self-employment income - See manual section 104 for more detailed information on self-employment income);

NOTE: The 50% self-employment deduction represents the cost-to-produce. The household also receives the 20% earned income deduction.

A dependent care deduction for children under 18 and people with disabilities of any age, with no limit, including transportation costs and activity fees;

An excess shelter deduction with no limit;

An excess medical expense deduction; and

A child support deduction for legally obligated child support payments paid by a SNAP household member to or for a child outside the household.

A household qualifies for these deductions if it contains a member who is:

Age 60 or older; or

212.3 Allowable Deductions for Households with Aged/Disabled Members (continued)

Receiving federal or state supplemental benefits under Section 1616 (a) of the Social Security Act (SSA) provided that the eligibility to receive the benefits is based upon the disability or blindness criteria under title XVI of the SSA; or

Receiving federally or state-administered supplemental benefits under Section 212 (a) of Public Law 93-66; or

Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits; or

Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, including persons receiving SSI based on presumptive eligibility; or

Receiving disability payments from the Veterans Administration (VA) equal to the full (100%) disability; or

A veteran with a service-connected or non-service-connected disability rated by the Veteran’s Administration as total or paid as total by the VA; or

A veteran considered by the VA to need regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound; or

A surviving spouse of a veteran and considered by the VA to need regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, or a surviving child of a veteran and considered by the VA to be permanently incapable of self-support; or

A surviving spouse or surviving child of a veteran and considered by the VA to be entitled to compensation for a service-connected death or pension benefits for a non-service connected death, and has a disability considered permanent under Section 221 (I) of the Social Security Act.

NOTE: Entitled refers to those veterans’ surviving spouses and surviving children who are receiving the stated payments or are approved to receive such payments but are not yet receiving them.

State agency disability benefits which are at least as stringent as those under Title XVI of the Social Security Act.

212.4 Allowable Deductions for All Other Households(continued)

Receiving disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act; or

Receiving an annuity payment under the Railroad Retirement Act of

1974 and is determined eligible to receive Medicare by the Railroad Retirement Board.

The allowable deductions for all other households are the following:

The standard deduction (SNAP Manual Section 600);

212.5 Standard Deduction

Allow the standard deduction for each household according to the amounts listed in section 600, regardless of the household type or the source of the household’s income.

212.6 Earned Income Deduction

The earned income deduction is intended to cover work-related expenses such as, but not limited to, taxes, social security, union dues, and uniforms.

212.7 Dependent Care Deduction

Allow the actual cost for the care of a child or incapacitated adult when the care is necessary to enable another member of the household to work. This includes seeking, accepting, or continuing employment or training or education preparatory to employment.

NOTE: A dependent-care deduction is allowed when necessary for a household member to accept or continue employment. Allow a dependent care deduction when a customer has a temporary leave of absence from employment for a short period of time and the person plans to return to the same job.

B.Verification of Dependent Care Expenses. Dependent care expenses must be verified for the customer to receive the deduction. Acceptable verification includes a bill or written statement from the provider or collateral contact with the provider. Verification is not required for the Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNP) or Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP).

212.8 Excess Medical Expense Deduction

Do not count medical expenses incurred by household members who are not aged or disabled toward this deduction.

Do not count medical expenses paid by insurance or another party who is not a household member toward this deduction.

Allowable medical expenses are limited to the following:

Medical and dental care including psychotherapy and rehabilitation services when provided by a State-licensed practitioner;

Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, nursing care, and nursing home care including payments made by the household for an individual who was a household member immediately prior to entering a hospital or nursing home;

Prescription drugs when prescribed by a health professional licensed under State law to prescribe drugs, including the charge for postage and handling of mail-order prescription drugs;

Eyeglasses when prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist;

Over-the-counter medication (including insulin) and other health-related supplies when approved by a licensed health professional;

212.8 Excess Medical Expense Deduction (continued)

Premiums for health and hospitalization insurance policies and long-term care insurance policies (excluding the cost of income maintenance type health policies and accidental policies);

Medicare premiums;

Any cost-sharing or spend down amounts incurred by Medicaid recipients;

Dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics;

Cost of securing and maintaining a service animal;

This includes Seeing Eye or hearing guide dogs, housekeeper monkeys, and any other animal specially trained to serve persons with disabilities.

Allowable costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of obtaining and training the animal and food and veterinary care.

Actual costs, or when these cannot be determined, the cents per mile figure established by the State, of transportation and lodging necessary to secure medical treatment or services; and

The costs of employing an attendant, homemaker, home health aide, housekeeper, or childcare provider due to age, infirmity, or illness. Include in this cost an amount equal to the SNAP allotment for one person if the household provides most of the attendant’s meals. Treat these costs as a medical expense if the attendant care cost could qualify under both the medical and dependent care deductions.

Verification of Medical Expenses

Verify medical expenses, including the amount of reimbursement, at initial application and at recertification if the source or the amount changes by more than $25. If a household voluntarily reports a change in medical expenses during a certification period, it must be verified if the change would increase the household’s allotment.

Acceptable verification of medical expenses includes, but is not limited to the following:

Current bill or written statement from the provider that shows all amounts paid by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid;

Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid statements that show charges incurred and the amount paid by the insurer;

BENDEX for Medicare premium;

Written statement from licensed health care professionals;

Collateral contact with the provider. (Maybe used to determine costs of over-the-counter medication, health-related supplies, and ongoing medical transportation.)

Medical expenses are the exception to the policy that allowable expenses can only be deducted when they are due. The household may report and verify during recertification medical bills incurred in the prior certification period.

REMINDER: Past due bills on which there has been no current payment are not included.

212.9 Excess Shelter Deduction

Allow a deduction, up to the cap noted in Section 600, for monthly billed shelter costs that exceed 50% of the household’s income after the deductions described above have been made.

Note that the excess shelter deduction cap does not apply to households with an aged or disabled member. Those households receive an uncapped shelter deduction.

The expenses do not have to be paid to allow the expense.

Shelter costs are limited to the following:

Rent, mortgage, a second mortgage, or other payments, including interest, leading to ownership of the shelter occupied by the household. The expense must be a continuing one.

Payments that exceed the normal monthly payment are not deductible as a shelter expense.

Note: Meal charges paid by households that reside in a home for the elderly and disabled are not a shelter cost.

Property taxes, State and local assessment, and insurance on the structure itself, but not separate charges on the contents (e.g. furniture, clothing, and personal belongings). If the cost of insurance includes coverage on both the structure and contents, the entire cost is deducted.

Heat and utilities.

This includes the costs of:

Heating and cooking fuel;

Cooling and electricity;

Water and sewerage;

Garbage and trash collection fees;

Well and Septic installation and maintenance; and

Fees charged by the utility provider for utility installation, excluding deposits.

Any household that has an obligation for heating and/or cooling separate from its rent or mortgage payment must use the appropriate utility allowance as its total utility cost.

212.9 Excess Shelter Deduction (continued)

Households not eligible for the utility allowance may claim actual utility expenses for those utilities for which they have an obligation (See Section 214 for further details on the utility allowances).

Households that pay heating or cooling expenses and do not receive Energy Assistance such as: Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), Arrearage Retirement Assistance, Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), etc. may be eligible to receive a one time annual payment equal to $21.00 from the H-EAT program. The Heat and Eat (H-EAT) program provides a $21 fuel assistance payment to certain SNAP households.

(i) The $21.00 payment from the H-EAT program makes households not receiving Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) now eligible for the SUA.

(ii) A data sharing process has been established between OHEP and MDTHINK to identify Energy Assistance households that are receiving SNAP benefits and not actively receiving the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) deduction.

(iii)These households not actively receiving SUA or Energy Assistance will be awarded a $21 payment that will be deposited into their EBT account as cash.

(iv) The $21.00 payment will trigger a SUA allowance in E&E for the household. The SUA allowance will recalculate SNAP benefits to include SUA for 12 consecutive SNAP issuance months.

A household that incurs a separate telephone expense but is not entitled to claim a utility allowance must use the mandatory telephone allowance as listed in Section 600, even if the actual expense is higher.

Condominium and Association Fees. The household is entitled to a shelter deduction for a condominium and association fee. The household is not entitled to a separate deduction for utilities included in the fee.

If the condo fee includes payment for heat, the household is not entitled to the SUA, but is billed separately for electricity, and may receive the LUA. If the condo fee includes electricity , but the household is billed separately for heat, it is entitled to the SUA.

Shelter costs for a temporarily unoccupied home due to employment or training away from home, illness, or abandonment caused by a natural disaster or casualty loss. The shelter costs for a temporarily unoccupied home can be included provided:

the household intends to return to the home;

the current occupants of the home, if any, are not claiming shelter costs on that home for SNAP purposes; and

the home is not being leased or rented to others during the household’s absence;

NOTE: Do not use the utility allowance for unoccupied homes. Use only the actual utility costs.

G. Verification of Shelter Expenses

1. Shelter and dependent care verification is mandatory for the customer to receive the deduction, however, it is not mandatory to receive SNAP benefits.

NOTE: Note: A case manager will still be required to send a Request for Information, ie.1052 when a customer indicates they pay shelter expenses to include a utility expense at application, redetermination, benefit review, and interim change.

A. If a customer provides the requested verification, the case must be updated and the SUA deduction applied to the case in the application and or new redetermination month.

B. If the customer fails to submit the requested verification, the data match process previously stated will be performed.

C. If the customer is not currently an energy assistance program recipient then they will become eligible for Heat and Eat.

2. Verify utility expenses if the household is entitled to only actual expenses instead of the utility standard.

3. Verify utility expenses for an unoccupied home. Do not use the utility standard.

H. REQUIRED ACTION:

A case manager must:

A. Send a Request for Information (ie.1052) when a customer indicates they pay shelter expenses to include a utility expense at application, redetermination, benefit review, and interim change.

B. When a customer provides the requested verification, the case manager must update the case appropriately.

NOTE: The appropriate shelter deduction LUA or SUA will be applied by E&E in the month of application and or new redetermination month.

○ The SUA deduction will be added to the case in the month following the completion of the data sharing process.

○ Heat and Eat is an approval process that does not apply to any retroactive periods.

○ SNAP benefit calculation includes the SUA.

NOTE: As a result, some households may receive an initial SNAP benefit amount that is different from their ongoing benefit amount. This is based on several factors: the client’s application date; the date the case is approved for SNAP benefits; and the household’s monthly issuance date.

212.9 Excess Shelter Deduction (continued)

Acceptable shelter expense verification includes, but is not limited to the following:

Mortgage or rental contracts, or a statement from the mortgage company, bank, or landlord;

Copy of tax, insurance, assessment bills, or a collateral contact with the appropriate government or insurance agency;

Current bills or a written statement from the provider for heat/utility expenses;

Collateral contact with the heat/utility provider;

(e) H-EAT E&E System generated narration from the Office of Home Energy Program regarding the approval of the one time annual $21 fuel assistance payment.

(f) Verification is not required for the Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance

Program (MSNAP) or Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP).

NOTE: H-EAT does not affect the way Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNAP) or Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) cases are processed. The policy for MSNAP and ESAP customers has not changed, verification is not required for MSNAP and ESAP. Please refer to Knowledge Base: Section 107-ESAP and MSNAP in the SNAP Manual.

212.10 Homeless Shelter Allowance

Households in which all members are homeless but are not receiving free shelter are entitled to the standard homeless shelter allowance of $148. Allow actual shelter expenses, instead of the homeless shelter allowance, if the actual shelter costs would result in a higher deduction under the excess shelter calculation.

The determination that a household is homeless is important when deciding if a household is eligible for the homeless shelter allowance. The $148 allowance cannot be claimed unless the household meets the definition of homeless.

A homeless individual is one who:

Lacks a fixed and regular nighttime address; or

Has a primary nighttime address that is:

a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations; or

an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or

a temporary accommodation in the residence of another individual for no longer than 90 days; or

a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation.

NOTE: Homeless households are not entitled to the one time $21 fuel assistance payment as they are entitled to the standard homeless shelter allowance of $148. For additional information, please refer to 20-02 AT Homeless Shelter Deduction Increase.

○ Households who are identified as homeless are distinguished on the E&E Contact Information Page.

212.11 Child Support Deduction

Allow a deduction for legally obligated child support payments paid by a household member to or for a non-household member.

To be entitled to the deduction the household member must:

Have a legal obligation to pay; and

Make payments.

The child support deduction includes the following:

The anticipated payments that the household member will pay over the certification period.

Payments to a third party on behalf of the non-household member in accordance with a support order.

Payments to obtain health insurance, if legally obligated.

Arrearages if the payments are anticipated to continue during the certification period. Do not include arrearages during the certification period if there is no basis for expecting future payments.

Do not include the following in the child support deduction:

Alimony payments;

Amounts paid over the obligated amount, except for allowable arrearages.

Verification

Verification of child support payments must be requested from households that claim this deduction.

Acceptable forms of verification include the following:

Court Order

Separation Agreement

Divorce Decree

Information from Child Support Enforcement (IV-D)

212.12 Action While Awaiting Verification

Do not allow any questionable expense as a deduction until verification is provided.

Determine eligibility and SNAP benefit level without providing a deduction for the unverified expense if the expense cannot be verified within 30 days of the date of application. This includes medical expenses that may be covered by a reimbursement if the amount of the reimbursement cannot be verified.

When a household fails or refuses to provide verification of the legal obligation or of the actual child support payments, calculate eligibility and benefit level without the deduction.

D. Treat as a reported change any verification an eligible household provides after the 30th day.

E. Do not restore lost SNAP benefits to the household if verification is provided after

the 30th day.

213.1 Purpose

This section contains instructions for determining monthly income and expenses.

213.2 General Information

NOTE: The policy described in this section applies to most households. However, procedures may differ for certain special households. Refer to Sections 101 – 109 of this manual for procedures to be used in circumstances with special households.

213.3 Determining Income

Anticipate income received during the month of application and income reasonably expected to be received during the remainder of the certification period when determining eligibility and the monthly allotment.

Do not count as income to the household if uncertain about the amount of income or when it will be received.

The household has the responsibility to report the income when it becomes aware of a change. The income is then processed as a reported change.

Use the following guidelines when anticipating income:

Use past income as an indication of the amount anticipated to be received. Do not automatically substitute actual past income for the anticipated amounts.

(b) Income received during the past 30 days may be used as an indication, unless a change is anticipated or income fluctuates so much over a period of time that it does not accurately indicate the amount. In those cases, a longer period of time may be used.

213.3 Determining Income (continued)

(c) In cases where income fluctuates seasonally, use figures from the most recent season comparable to the certification period as one indicator of anticipated income. Consider possible variations in seasonal income if anticipated at the time of certification.

Income Only in the Month Received

Count anticipated income only in the month(s) it is expected to be received unless the income is averaged (see below), or income is withheld at the request of the employee.

Whenever a full month’s income (either earned or unearned) is received on a weekly or biweekly basis, convert the income to a monthly amount by multiplying weekly amounts by 4 and biweekly amounts by 2.

EXAMPLE: A parent applies for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for herself and two children. She has gross earnings of $150 per week. All other SNAP requirements are met.

$150 (gross weekly earnings)

x 4 (conversion factor)

$600 (gross monthly earnings)

Whenever income is received less often than monthly or a full month’s earned income is anticipated and received on a monthly basis, the amount is counted without using a conversion factor.

EXAMPLE: A SNAP applicant has $600 in gross monthly earnings. He is paid monthly. All other SNAP requirements are met. $600 is the amount of income used to determine the eligibility and allotment.

Allow a 20% earned income deduction for households with earnings. Allow a 50% earned income deduction for self-employment income (the 50% deduction represents the cost-to-produce). The 20% earned income deduction is then applied to the net income amount.

Do not count non-recurring lump sum payments as income. Consider them as a resource in the month received.

Remember that resources are not counted for categorically eligible households.

213.3 Determining Income (continued)

NOTE: In cases where income is withheld at the employee’s request, consider the income in the month it would otherwise have been paid to the employee. However, current or past wages held as a general practice of the employer (even if in violation of the law) are not counted as income unless the household anticipates it will ask for and receive an advance. Count advances on wages as income in the month received, provided it can be reasonably anticipated and the advanced wages were not already counted as income.

Income Averaging

Averaging income means to average between the months of the certification period. This method is generally used when income varies greatly between months during the certification period.

A household may elect to have its income averaged.

In order to average, the local department and the household must predict the amount of the household’s income over the certification period.

The number of months used to arrive at the average income need not be the same number of months in the certification period. If a household is reasonably certain the fluctuation shown by the month of application and the prior one or two months represents the expected fluctuations in income for the certification period, average those month’s income, and project it over the certification period.

EXAMPLE: A household applies for SNAP benefits in April. Its monthly income is $500 for April, $540 for February, and $400 for March.

$500 + $540 + $400 = $1,440

$1,440 divided by 3 = $480 (average gross monthly income)

The following households have no option as to how their income is treated. Their income must be averaged:

Households that, by contract (either written or implied), receive their annual income in a period of time shorter than a year. This income must be averaged over a twelve-month period, provided it is not received on an hourly or piecework basis. Count income received hourly or on a piecework basis as any other source of income.

213.3 Determining Income (continued)

NOTE: The policy in D above does not apply to migrant or seasonal farmworkers.

Self-employed households with stable annual income

Salaried school employees regardless of whether they are paid for 10 or 12 months of the year. This income must be annualized. Calculate the income for school employees who are paid an hourly wage according to the frequency paid.

For example, a school cafeteria worker who is paid an hourly wage has no income from the school in the summer months when the school cafeteria is not open.

213.4 Determining Deductions

Deductible expenses include only certain costs of dependent care, medical needs, child support payments and shelter as described in Section 212 of this manual.

Expenses are deductible only if the service is rendered by someone outside the household and the household makes a monetary payment for the service. For example, a dependent care deduction is not allowed if a household member provides the care, or compensation for the care is provided in the form of an in-kind benefit, such as food.

An expense covered by an excluded vendor payment or reimbursement is not deductible.

EXAMPLE 1:

The portion of medical expenses covered by insurance, or the portion of a shelter cost paid by an individual outside the household:

A household’s rent is $600. Someone outside the SNAP household pays $325 directly to the landlord. Count only $375 as an allowable shelter cost.

NOTE: This applies only to excluded vendor payments. If a vendor payment for shelter costs, medical expenses, or dependent care is not excluded, and therefore counted as income, the expense is deductible.

Deductions, unless averaged (see below), are allowed only in the month the expense is billed or otherwise becomes due, regardless of when the household intends to pay the expense. For example, rent or child care payments that are due each month must be included in the household’s deductions, even though they may not yet be paid.

Billed Expenses

EXCEPTION: Medical expenses that may be covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, etc., are not considered billed to the household until a statement is received showing the amount of payment made by the insurer, or other proof of insurance payment is provided. Therefore, if a medical service covered by insurance is performed and the household is provided a bill that day, the expense is not allowed until the household receives a statement from the provider or insurer showing the amount owed by the household after the insurance payment is made. (Allow the expense if the insurance payment can be verified through a collateral contact.)

Amounts carried forward from a past billing period are not deductible, even if included with the most recent billing and actually paid by the household.

Example: Late charges for not paying property taxes on time are not allowable deductions.

Past due amounts included with the most recent bill are not deductible, even though actually paid by the household. Exception: In order for such expenses to be allowed, the household must have a repayment agreement that was arranged before the initial bill became past due.

Medical expenses are the exception to the policy that allowable expenses can only be deducted when they are due. The household may report and verify at recertification medical bills incurred in the prior certification period that have been paid in the current period or have a repayment agreement implemented.

213.42 Averaging Expenses

A household may elect to have fluctuating expenses averaged.

Expenses that are billed less often than monthly may be averaged forward over the interval between scheduled billings.

The expense may either be averaged over the certification period or deducted in full in the month billed, at the household’s option.

The household may elect to have one-time-only expenses averaged over the entire certification period in which they are billed.

213.42 Averaging Expenses (continued)

EXCEPTION: Households wishing to average one-time-only medical expenses reported during the certification period must have the expenses averaged over the remaining months of the certification period. Averaging begins the month the change is effective. This includes medical bills reported in the last month of the certification period, i.e. average bills over the certification period as long as there is no break in certification. For example, if a household certified in October for 12 months reports a new, one-time-only medical bill early in July and wants to average this expense, it would be averaged over August and September.

One-time medical expenses incurred during the first 12 months of a 24-month certification may be:

Deducted for one month,

Averaged over the remaining months of the first 12 months,

Averaged over the remaining months of the certification.

One-time medical expenses incurred after the first 12 months of a 24-month certification may be:

Deducted for one month or

Averaged over the remaining months of the certification period.

Reminder: If the household chooses to have the one-time expense averaged over the remaining months of the first 12 months of a 24 month certification period the case manager must remove the deduction for the 2nd 12 months of the certification period.

213.43 Anticipating Expenses

Base household expenses on expenses the household expects to be billed for during the certification period.

Base anticipation of the expense on the most recent month’s bills, unless the household is reasonably certain a change will occur.

213.43 Anticipating Expenses (continued)

When the household has only one utility that does not include heat or air conditioning or phone, it is not entitled to a utility standard or phone allowance. The household must provide a current bill, statement by the provider, or collateral contact on which to base the anticipation of utility expenses. Once this has been provided, the local department must ask the household whether it expects this amount to change during the certification period. If the household expects changes, use one of the following methods to anticipate changes during the certification period:

Use last year’s bills from the same period and update by overall price increases.

Use utility company estimates for the type of dwelling and utilities used if only the most recent bill is available.

Another reasonable method, agreed upon by the local department and the household.

NOTE: Do not average past expenses, such as bills for the last several months, as a method of anticipating utility costs for the certification period when seasonal changes in the rate of utility usage will occur.

Document in the case narration the basis for the anticipated utility expenses (i.e. household estimate, last year’s bills with rate increase update, utility company estimate, etc.).

213.44 Conversion of Deductions

The income conversion procedures described in 213.3 B of this section also apply to expenses billed or costs incurred on a weekly or biweekly basis.

213.5 Calculating the Child Support Deduction

The child support deduction is deducted from countable income. The deduction cannot exceed the countable income of the individual paying the child support.

Calculate the child support deduction as shown in the following examples:

213.5 Calculating the Child Support Deduction (continued)

Example 1:

John Smith receives FS for himself, his wife Mary, and their two children.

John also pays court-ordered child support of $50 per week to his former wife for two children. John provides verification that he pays child support and is allowed a deduction of $200 per month for the child support he pays for children who do not live with him.

$50 per week

x 4 weeks per month

$200 per month

Example 2:

John’s hours at work begin to fluctuate and as a result, he changes how much child support he pays. He is still court-ordered to pay $50 per week but he does not always pay it. For 4 weeks in May, he paid $25, $30, $15 and $45. For 4 weeks in June, he paid $30, $35, $40, and $40. The case manager averages the child support by adding the eight weeks together ($260) and dividing by 8 ($32.50 per week).

$32.50 per week

x 4 weeks per month

$130 per month child support deduction

Count $130 per month as a child support deduction for the months of the certification period or until John reports and verifies he is paying a different amount.

NOTE: Remember this is a deduction. Do not round down to the nearest dollar until after the monthly deduction is calculated. In this example, if the monthly deduction had been calculated as $130.55 the deduction would be rounded to $130.

Example 3:

Mary Smith also has a court order to pay child support for 1 child who lives with the child’s grandmother. Mary is ordered to pay support of $100 per month. Mary provides verification she is court-ordered to pay support but she lost her job and has no money to pay the support. Mary is not entitled to a child support deduction.

213.6 Rounding

When doing a manual calculation, compute net monthly income by rounding down to whole dollar amounts by dropping all cents.

213.6 Rounding (continued)

Round down before and after each calculation, except for the computation of shelter costs and medical costs. For example, drop any cents in gross weekly earnings before adding fluctuating pays and applying the weekly conversion factor. Retain cents for any hourly or daily amounts until after the weekly amount is determined.

Fluctuating weekly earnings:

$42.85

$53.61

$52.79

$41.27

$49.36

$237.00 Divided by 5= $47.40 X 4 = $188.00 monthly

Compute shelter and medical costs using exact dollar and cents amounts.

$60.00 Rent $50.75 Prescriptions

$ 9.08 Phone $60.00 Doctor’s visit

$20.50 Utilities $15.60 Transportation

$89.58 Total shelter costs $126.35 Total medical costs

Drop the cents from the total shelter and medical costs before determining the shelter and/or medical deduction.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UTILITY ALLOWANCES Section 214 Page 1

214.1 Eligibility for Utility Allowances Households may be eligible for one of the following two utility allowances when their expenses are verified (see SNAP Manual section 212.9): A. Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) a. Except for some recipients of the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), only households that are billed for heating or cooling separately from their rent or mortgage are eligible for the SUA. Cooling by central or room air conditioners confers eligibility for the SUA. The use of fans does not qualify the household for the SUA. The following households are eligible for the SUA: i. Renters who are billed on a monthly basis by their landlords for actual usage through individual metering, ii. Households living in private housing who are charged a flat rate for heating and cooling, iii. Households, including those living in public housing that are billed for excess heating or cooling costs, iv. Multiple households sharing utility expenses for heating and cooling, or v. Households that can verify they pay utility bills that are in someone else’s name. Example 1: The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company bills the Smiths for gas each month and the gas is used to heat the Smith’s home. They pay the bill directly to the utility company and have provided verification of the expense. This household is entitled to the SUA.

Example 2: The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company bills the Smiths directly for electric use only. The electric is used to operate the central air conditioner in warm weather. This household is entitled to the SUA.

Example 3: Mary Johnson pays $100 per month for her rent and an additional $50 flat per month for the utilities including heat and air conditioning for her apartment per her lease. She pays the money to her landlord. This household is entitled to the SUA. REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UTILITY ALLOWANCES Section 214 Page 2

214.1 Eligibility for Utility Allowances (continued) b. The use of supplemental heating equipment such as gas, electric, kerosene, wood heaters, or stoves does not qualify the household for the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) if the cost of the principal heating source (e.g. an oil furnace) is included in the rent or mortgage. c. SUA is automatically applied to households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member and the household received more than $20 in energy assistance payments (from MEAP or another similar program) in the last 12 months. i. If a household reports receipt of a MEAP benefit in the past heating season, and it expects to receive it again in the next heating season, the household is eligible for the SUA. ii. The household’s receipt or expectation of receiving MEAP entitles it to the SUA for the entire year because Maryland’s SUA is updated annually. iii. If the landlord reduces the rent to reflect receipt of the MEAP payment, allow the reduced amount for the rental cost because this is now the billed rent.

Example 1: Ms. A (age 42, not disabled) applied for SNAP benefits

on February 28. She reported receipt of a MEAP payment in

January for this heating season. She is not automatically entitled

to the SUA because her household does not include an elderly or

disabled household member. Ms. A may be eligible for the SUA

based on the actual utility expenses that she verifies she pays.

Example 2: Ms. B (age 64) applied for SNAP benefits on January 5.

Her heat is included in the rent. She reported that last year she

received MEAP to help with heat in her house and she plans to

apply again this year. This household is automatically eligible for

the SUA because it includes an elderly household member and

anticipates receiving MEAP again this year.

d. The receipt of indirect (vendor) energy assistance payments from non-federal funds, such as the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), will not affect eligibility for the SUA if the household incurs out-of-pocket expenses over and above its prorated REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025