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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 227 NON-CITIZEN REQUIREMENTS

34 Section 227 Change #1-2026 February 1, 2026 1988 $470 2005 $920 2022 $1,510 1989 $500 2006 $970 2023 $1,640 1990 $520 2007 $1,000 2024 $1,730 1991 $540 2008 $1,050 2025 $1,810 1992 $570 2009 $1,090 2026 $1,890 1993 $590 2010 $1,120

1994 $620 2011 $1,120

For 1978 and later, credits are based solely on the total yearly amount of earnings. The number of creditable QC’s are obtained by dividing the individual’s total earned income by the increment amount for the year. All types of earnings follow this rule. The amount of earnings needed to earn a credit increases and is different for each year. For 1978 through 2026, the amount of earnings needed for each credit is noted above. A current year quarter (must be a full quarter) may be included in the 40 quarter computation. Use the current year amount as the divisor to determine the number of quarters available. There is a limit of four quarters per year. 4. If there is a discrepancy between the assessment estimate and TPQY results, work with the non-citizen to reconcile. Common issues include: a. Lag quarters not yet posted to SSA records b. Non-covered employment (no FICA taxes paid) c. Quarters earned before certain dates not creditable to children d. Quarters earned while receiving means-tested benefits after 12/31/1996 E. Reconciliation: 1. Lag Quarters When the non-citizen individual or other FNS Unit member does not agree with the response provided by the TPQY and the problem is missing quarters in the current year, accept a current employer prepared wage statement as proof of earnings, and credit a quarter for each increment. Assume the earnings are covered employment if the wage statement shows FICA withholding. a. If the problem is quarters in the last taxable year and the query was requested prior to August 31st, check the QC History to determine if quarters are recorded. If quarters are missing, accept forms such as W2