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Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 03/01/2019 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 1 of 5 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Household Composition Policy 24.04 Effective: March 1, 2019 Introduction All Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) staff must determine household composition before approving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Scope The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures and guidelines for staff to assist them in determining who should be included or excluded in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) household. Policy A. Household Composition 1. Prior to establishing eligibility and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotment, the living constellations and other factors of all individuals residing together must be explored to determine which of them will be considered household (HH) members. 2. A HH is composed of one of the following individuals or groups of individuals: a. An individual living alone; b. An individual living with others, but customarily purchasing food and preparing meals for home consumption separate and apart from others; or c. A group of individuals who live together and customarily purchase food and prepare meals together for home consumption. B. Verification of Household Composition Verify the HH size (number of persons in the HH), when questionable. This is done by either a collateral contact or another source of verification that will provide accurate information regarding the number of persons in the HH.