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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HANDLING CHANGES

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disqualification. The household is not entitled to an Advance Notice of Proposed Action but may request a fair hearing to contest the reduction or termination of benefits, unless the household has already had a hearing on the amount of the claim.

b. If a household's benefits are reduced or terminated within the certification period because one or more of its members is disqualified, as addressed in Part XII.E, the BPS must issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Action that informs the household of the disqualification, the reason for the disqualification, the eligibility and benefit level of the remaining members and the actions the household must take to end the disqualification, if appropriate.

8. Retention of Cases When Households Temporarily Leave Project Area

The provisions of this section will not apply to households with active TANF, Refugee Assistance, or Medicaid cases if the BPS transfers a TANF or Refugee Assistance case.

When a participating household is forced to seek temporary housing outside the city/county of usual residence, but still in Virginia, the original locality may, at its option, keep the SNAP case in an active status for up to two calendar months after the move to another Virginia locality. The BPS must transfer the SNAP case at the end of the second month if the household does not return to the original locality, provided the household maintains contact with the BPS. The BPS must transfer the case even if the household intends to return to the locality.

Changes to reflect the new address, shelter costs, income, household composition, or any other reported changes must be acted on and verified, if necessary, in accordance with the "Local Agency Action on Changes" section of this chapter and Part III.E.

The BPS should consider the distance to the household's temporary address in deciding to keep a case active after the move from the locality. If the distance and/or other concerns such as inadequate transportation would hinder continued participation, the BPS should transfer the case. The BPS must close the case if the household requests closure.

This policy only applies to ongoing cases, including households due for recertification. Newly applying and reapplying households must file applications in the current locality of residence. If the household moves while an application (new or reapplication) is pending, the original locality must determine eligibility for the month of application and any other month during which the household was in the locality on the first day of the month and then transfer the case.

9. Transfer of SNAP Cases

When a household moves from one Virginia locality to another, beyond a temporary move as addressed in subsection 8 of this chapter, the agency must generally transfer the case to the other Virginia locality. Agencies must work cooperatively to ensure that there is no break in certification and the issuance of benefits for affected households or that

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