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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 212 HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Section 212 Change #3-2026 September 1, 2026 Change #3-2026 September 1, 2026

FNS 212 HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS 212.01 HEAD OF THE FNS UNIT A. The FNS unit must designate an individual to be the head of the FNS unit. The person chosen as the head of the FNS unit must: 1. Have primary responsibility for the health and well-being of the FNS unit members; and/or 2. Have responsibility for the financial obligations of the FNS unit; and/or 3. Be otherwise exercising control over the FNS unit B. Change of Head of Household: 1. The designation as head of the FNS unit may be changed at application, recertification, or removal of the current head of the FNS unit. 2. Keep in mind that the household’s EBT card will be issued to the head of household. 3. The individual who will purchase groceries and handle daily business transactions would be an appropriate head of household. C. Do not use the head of the FNS unit designation to impose special requirements, such as requiring the head of the FNS unit to make application, recertification, or request changes. Unless otherwise stated in policy, all adult household members may complete application, recertification, or request changes. 212.02 SPECIFIED PERSON An individual meeting one of the following criteria is considered a specified person: A. An individual 60 years of age or older; or B. A person who receives supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act or disability or blindness payments under Titles I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of the Social Security Act; or C. A person who receives federally or State administered supplemental benefits under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act provided that the eligibility to receive the benefits is based upon the disability or blindness criteria used under Title XVI of the Social Security Act; or