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1082 Chapter 7:Worker guides • Section 2: SNAP worker guides (07/2026) For cases in TBA: When a SNAP household is in TBA, and the head of household or other member of the TBA household becomes incarcerated, leave the case in TBA for the remainder of the TBA period. If someone out of the household applies for SNAP for children on the TBA case, as long as the children will be eligible on the other SNAP case, remove them effective the end of the month with timely notice and they can be eligible on the other SNAP case effective the first of the following month after being removed from the TBA case. Click here for examples: Prison discrepancy lists. Processing changes for SNAP Processing the information reported by individuals in a timely and accurate manner is a critical piece in reducing the Quality Control error rate. To be timely, a decision must be made and an action taken within 10 days of receipt of the reported change. The individual may report one piece of information. That piece of information may impact several areas regarding an eligibility and/or benefit amount. For example, “I moved.” The new address is needed to determine residency. However, there are several other areas that are impacted by this statement. We have attempted to list some of these areas below: Factors to consider with a reported change of address: • Residency. Reasons for the move. Does the household live in the area or does the case need to be transferred to another branch or closed, if moved out of state? • Rent or shelter costs. What is the new rent amount? If the new shelter costs are higher than the household income, how will they pay the expenses? • Utilities. How is the home heated? Is the dwelling billed separately for heating? Who is responsible for the heating costs? Is the responsible party the filing group or another person? Are they entitled to the FUA?
If not entitled to the FUA, do they have nonheating utility costs that are allowable; i.e., telephone basic rates? This could make them eligible for the LUA. • Household composition. Who is living in the home? If there are others in the home, how are they related to each household member? If related, are they required to be a member of the filing group? Remember, if parents and children under age 22 are sharing the same home, they must be in the same filing group. If there are others in the home, do they purchase and prepare meals separately? If a separate filing group, do they contribute to the shelter or utility costs? • Effective date. The effective date for the change depends on the result of the action. Will the result be to increase benefits, or to reduce or close benefits?
Increase. If the change causes an increase in benefits, make the change effective the first of the month following the date the change happened. Do not adjust the benefits retroactively or give a supplement. Action of changes is always future effective. No notice is needed when the change will increase next month’s benefits.
Reduce or close. Send the timely continuing benefit notice at least 10 days before the first of the next month when the change will reduce benefits.