1130.020.00 Anticipated Changes at Time of Application – DSS Manuals

IM-71 August 31, 2023 ; IM-79 August 26, 2013 ; IM-26 March 19, 2004

Because of known changes, a household may be eligible for the month of application, but ineligible in the subsequent month. The household is entitled to benefits for the month of application in a timely manner (see 1130.005.00 Processing Time Frames ) even if the application is rejected for the subsequent month. Similarly, a household may be ineligible for the month of application, but eligible in the subsequent month due to known changes in circumstances.

If the household is ineligible in the month of application but is eligible for the subsequent month, the household does not have to reapply for the subsequent month. The same application will be used for denying benefits for the month of application and making an eligibility determination for subsequent months.

If an applicant is determined to be ineligible for two months, the eligibility system rejects the application.

Changes known at application are acted on.

Example: Ms. A applies for SNAP benefits on June 14th and verifies she is making $8.00 per hour. Before her application is approved she provides a letter from her employer showing she will receive a $1.00 increase in her hourly wage beginning July 1st. Convert the hourly wage to $9.00 per hour for the July budget to determine the ongoing benefit amount.

Changes not known at application are not acted on.

Example: Ms. A applies for SNAP benefits on June 14th and verifies she is making $8.00 per hour. She also states she thinks she will get an increase to $9.00 per hour beginning July 1st. It is her work anniversary date and she feels she has been doing a good job and will get an increase in wages. Her employer has not given her any verification of this. This change is not known and should not be budgeted for July and ongoing benefits.

Always review changes that must be reported for SNAP households with applicants. Following the initial or recertification application interview, the only changes required to be reported by the household are when:

gross monthly income exceeds 130% of poverty , or

a reduction in the number of hours worked by an individual subject to the ABAWD work requirement (see 1105.035.00 Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Requirements ).

lottery or gambling winnings that are equal to or greater than the resource maximum for elderly/disabled households (see 1110.005.00 Maximum Resources Allowed )