Household Files an Application before the end of the Certification Period

If an eligible household files an application before the end of the certification period but the recertification process cannot be completed within 30 days after the date of reapplication because of local department fault (see 406.5 of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Manual), the case manager must:

Continue to process the case, and

Provide a full month’s allotment for the first month of the new certification period.

If a household files an application before the end of the certification period, but fails to take a required action (i.e. submit verification), the case manager will deny the case at the end of the certification period. (The case will automatically close if required verification is not updated.)

440.8 Delayed Processing (continued)

The household has 30 days after the end of the certification period to complete the process and have its application be treated the same as an application for recertification.

If the household takes the required action before the end of the certification period, the local department must provide a full month’s SNAP benefits for the initial month of the new certification period.

If the household takes the required action after the end of the certification period but within 30 days after the end of the certification period, the case manager will reopen the case and provide SNAP benefits back to the date that the household took the required action.

Example: The household was interviewed for recertification on May 5, at which time the agency requested verification of earnings. The certification period ends May 31. The household provided the information on June 10. The case manager opens the household's case and pro-rates SNAP benefits from June 10.

Household files an Application after the End of the Certification Period

If the household files an application or returns the completed CIF within 30 days after the end of the certification period, the case manager will consider it as an application for recertification, but the SNAP benefits will be prorated from the date of the new application.

If a household's application for recertification is delayed beyond the end of the certification period through the fault of the local department, the case manager must restore SNAP benefits back to the date the household's certification should have begun.

NOTE: Local departments are not required to apply expedited service policy at recertification if the household applies before the end of its current certification period. It must screen all applications filed after the end of a certification period for entitlement to expedited service.