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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPLICATION PROCESSING

10/25 VOLUME V, PART II, PAGE 19

b. A client applies for SSI on November 10. He does not want to apply for SNAP benefits at that time. On December 3 he changes his mind and files a SNAP application. He would be ineligible for SNAP benefits according to NA standards.

1) Suppose SSI determines the household eligible for a money payment on December 30.

Because the household was determined eligible for SSI within the 30-day SNAP application processing time frame, the household is categorically eligible back to December 3, the date of the SNAP application.

2) Suppose as of January 2, the SSI determination is pending. The agency chooses to deny the SNAP application on the 30th day.

On February 9, the household informs the agency that SSA approved SSI benefits retroactive to November. The agency reinstates the original SNAP application and provides SNAP benefits back to December 3. That date is the later of the SSI effective date or the SNAP application date.

5. Categorical Eligibility and Benefit Level

Once the worker determines a household’s entitlement to SNAP benefits, the benefit level must be determined. Other eligibility factors described in this manual apply to categorically eligible households in determining the benefit amount. The agency must prorate benefits for the initial month based on the application date. The following additional criteria apply:

a. One- and two-person categorically eligible households are entitled to at least $24, regardless of net SNAP income, except when benefits for the initial month prorate to less than $10. There will be no issuance in this instance.

b. Categorically eligible households of four or more members will receive benefits if its net income entitles them to a benefit of $1.00 or more on the appropriate allotment table, even if its net SNAP income is above the maximum for the household size.

c. The agency must deny or terminate any categorically eligible household entitled to zero SNAP benefits. The notice must explain that the household will not receive benefits because the benefit amount is $0 (zero).

TRANSMITTAL #36