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Subject: SNAP Application Processing

Policy 24.02 Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 12/01/2022 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 19 of 20 Definitions/Acronyms Term Definition Applicant An applicant is a person who has submitted a completed and signed document prescribed by TDHS, and/or a form approved by FNS containing at least a legible name, address, and a signature to request SNAP for the household of which he/she is a member. An authorized representative may actually file the application provided they have been authorized to do so by the head of the household, spouse, or other responsible household member. Application An application is a form prescribed by TDHS and/or approved by FNS containing prescribed information, which is submitted electronically, by mail, or in-person to the County Office of the TDHS by a person requesting assistance, or by the person’s legally appointed guardian, or authorized representative. Certification Period A certification period is an assigned period of time during which a household is eligible and certified to receive SNAP benefits. Change Reporting Cases Households certified less than four (4) months or households whose only income is from self-employment. FF Families First FNS Food and Nutrition Service Household A household is a social unit comprised of varying numbers of individuals who live together in the same dwelling. It is also the concept used to determine the food purchasing and preparation patterns of all individuals with common living quarters. For SNAP purposes, a group of people who customarily purchase and prepare food together for home consumption. For program purposes, an individual living alone may be a household. Income A recurring gain or benefit measured in money amounts. Initial Application An initial application is the first month for which the household applies for participation, following any period during which the household was not certified for participation in SNAP. Initial Month The first month for which an allotment is issued to a household or the first month for which the household is certified for participation in SNAP following any period during which the household is certified for participation. QC Quality Control Resident A household living in the state in which it files an application for participation. Simplified Reporting Cases Cases certified at least four (4) months other than cases with only self-employment income are considered simplified reporting cases. SR Simplified reporting Substantial lottery or gambling winnings Substantial lottery or gambling winnings a cash prize, before taxes or withholdings, that matches the SNAP resource limit for elderly or disabled households listed in the Substantial Lottery and Gambling Winnings Guidelines document. The limit is adjusted annually. Supersedes Policy 24.02 SNAP Application Processing, eff. date 09/01/2022