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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 1

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 42 Chapter 1 Application/Redetermination Process

1.4 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) This section describes the process for determining initial and ongoing eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The purpose of SNAP is to provide an effective method of assuring that the food needs of low-income assistance groups (AG) are met. This is accomplished through the issuance of SNAP benefits to AGs who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Benefits are issued to the AG’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account. Another purpose of SNAP is to assist low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings. Such employment and earnings, along with program benefits, will permit low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing food purchasing power to all eligible households. These SNAP benefits may be used in grocery stores or other establishments that are authorized by USDA to accept SNAP benefits. The AG may purchase any food or food products for human consumption. SNAP may also be used to purchase Meals on Wheels meals, seeds, and plants for food production in home gardens. In addition, homeless AGs may purchase meals from a public or private non-profit establishment approved to feed homeless persons. Alcoholic beverages, any carbonated non-alcoholic beverages such as soda that contain water, a sweetening agent (including but not limited to sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and added carbonation (or carbon dioxide gas to create carbonation), tobacco, and non-edible items, such as cleaning supplies and paper products, are specifically excluded. 1.4.1 APPLICATION PROCESS Applications may be submitted using the DFA-2, DFA-SNAP-1, or WV PATH. See Section 1.2 for the WV PATH process. When an AG completes an application, the worker must offer to provide a copy of the completed application. If the AG specifically requests the copy of the application be in an electronic format, the worker must provide a copy in an electronic format. Usually an application form is required to reapply for SNAP benefits. However, there are times when an AG may reapply without completing a new form. When the client requests benefits following the denial of an application or redetermination beyond the time limits specified in Section 1.4.9 below, a new application form and interview is required.