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Page | 121 benefits only after authorization by USDA. Local communal dining facilities authorized by USDA to accept SNAP benefits in payment for prepared meals may be identified through the local USDA office.

7442 MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE

Any member of an eligible household who is 60 years of age or older may use all or any part of his SNAP benefits to purchase meals from a nonprofit meal delivery service authorized by USDA for this purpose provided the individual is housebound, feeble, physically disabled, or otherwise disabled to the extent that he is unable to adequately prepare all his meals. In addition, if the household member lives only with spouse, the spouse, regardless of age or disability, also may purchase meals from a nonprofit meal delivery service. An example of a meal delivery service would be Meals On Wheels.

A nonprofit meal delivery service means a political subdivision or a private nonprofit organization which prepares and delivers meals, which is recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service, and which is not receiving federally donated foods from USDA for use in the preparation of meals to be exchanged for SNAP benefits. These organizations may accept SNAP benefits only after authorization by USDA.

7450 SIMPLIFIED SNAP – IMPROVED NUTRITION (IN) PROGRAM

Individuals who receive SSI and live on their own or live with a spouse, who also receives SSI, can apply for a simplified SNAP, Improved Nutrition benefits. The IN program is a simplified process to apply for SNAP benefits, with no interview required, verification requirements that are normally required are waived, 3 year certification period is allowed, and a households receive a standard amount of SNAP benefits based on their shelter circumstances. There are no reporting requirements during their 3 year certification period as all information is received through Social Security Administration data matches.

7451 DETERMINING IF AN SSI RECIPEINT IS ELIGIBLE FOR IN BENEFITS In order for an SSI recipient to be eligible for IN benefits they must meet the following criteria: • Their SSI payment must have a current pay status (CO1 on the SDX screens). • They must be at least 18 years of age • If single and living with others, the SSI recipient must purchase and prepare food separately from others. • If married, the SSI recipient’s spouse must also be receiving SSI benefits in current pay status. • The SSI recipient must not live an institution. • The SSI recipient cannot have children under the age of 22 living with them.

7452 APPLYING FOR IN BENEFITS Individuals can apply for IN benefits using the DSS EA-301 application or the DSS EA-301I application. Benefits Specialists should review the application for potential IN eligibility by using the criteria above. If IN elig is suspected, the Benefits Specialist should use the IN prescreening tool to determine if IN or SNAP benefits are greater. If IN benefits are greater, then the IN program should be offered to the individual and they can choose the simplified application process. If the applicant applies for SNAP benefits using the EA-301, the Benefits Specialist must review their application for potential IN eligibility using the above criteria. If the above criteria is met, then the Benefits Specialist should use the IN pre-screening tool to determine if SNAP or IN benefits are