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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION STATUS Section 120 Page 15

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