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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT REDUCTION, SUSPENSION, OF SOCIAL SERVICES CANCELLATION OF SNAP BENEFITS

10/25 VOLUME V, PART XXI, PAGE 1

A. GENERAL PURPOSE

This chapter provides guidelines local agencies must use if the USDA orders a reduction, suspension or cancellation of SNAP benefits. Depending upon the orders issued by USDA, there could be a suspension or cancellation of benefits for one or more months, a reduction for one or more months or a combination of these.

B. DEFINITIONS

1. Reduction - A reduction of SNAP benefits means that there will be a percentage reduction of the maximum benefit amounts. Local agencies will receive benefit tables that reflect the reduction as it applies to each household size at each income increment.

2. Cancellation - A cancellation of SNAP benefits means that there will be no benefits issued for a particular month or months.

3. Suspension - A suspension of SNAP benefits is basically the same as a cancellation except it should be more temporary. The net effect of a suspension may mean that eligible household would receive benefits a delayed basis.

C. REDUCTION

The Virginia Department of Social Services will notify local agencies if there must be a reduction of SNAP benefits. The notification will include the effective date of the reduction and the percentage.

When agencies receive the notice that a reduction must occur, local workers must act immediately to implement the order. Modification of the statewide computer system must also occur so that households would receive the appropriate benefit amounts.

Any household with one or two members whose reduced benefits would be less than $24 would generally receive a minimum benefit of $24. If there is a reduction rate of 90% or more for the affected month, one or two-person households would not receive the $23 minimum. Benefit levels of $1, $3 and $5 must be rounded up to $2, $4 and $6 respectively.

D. SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATIONS

The Virginia Department of Social Services will notify local agencies if there must be a suspension or cancellation of SNAP benefits and the effective date of the suspension or cancellation.

Households will not receive a minimum benefit if benefits are suspended or cancelled.

When agencies receive the notice that a suspension or cancellation must take place, local workers must act immediately to implement the order. Reprogramming for the statewide computer system must also occur timely to make necessary computer adjustments.

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