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Subject: SNAP Special Living Arrangements

Policy 24.06

Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 07/01/2019 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 15 C. Residents of Institutions 1. An individual is considered a resident of an institution when the institution provides the majority [over fifty percent (50%)] of their meals as a part of the institution's normal services, and the institution is not authorized to accept SNAP benefits. 2. Only residents of the following institutions are eligible to participate in SNAP: a. Individuals who reside at a drug or alcohol treatment center in order to participate in a treatment program. b. Disabled or blind individuals who are residents of a group living arrangement and who receive benefits under Title II (RSDI) or Title XVI (SSI) of the Social Security Act. c. Residents of shelters for individuals of domestic violence. d. Residents of non-profit shelters that provide meals to the homeless. D. Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers 1. Drug and alcohol treatment centers must be authorized to receive and use SNAP benefits on behalf of eligible recipients/residents via an authorized representative (AR) employed by the treatment program. 2. Approved treatment programs must meet the following criteria prior to the certification of residents for SNAP by county TDHS office: a. be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) as a bona fide treatment program; or b. have a letter from the TDMHSAS acknowledging that the facility is operating for this purpose; and c. have services conducted by a private non-profit organization or institution or a publicly operated center. 3. A listing of licensed treatment centers, by county, can be found on the Internet at Substance Abuse Treatment Provider Directory. In addition, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) also provides addiction treatment programs and that would be a credible source for rehabilitation. 4. Eligibility for SNAP benefits will be determined for non-residents and residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers. a. Non-residents may use SNAP benefits to purchase food prepared during the treatment program. The treatment program may be operated by a private non-profit organization or institution or a publicly operated community mental health center authorized by the TDMHSAS as a bona fide treatment center. b. Residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers may voluntarily elect to participate in the SNAP program, but must do so through an AR. i. Residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers must apply and be certified through the use of an AR who is an employee of and designated by the private non-