Transitional benefits option

Under paragraph (1), a household may receive transitional supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for a period of not more than 5 months after the date on which cash assistance is terminated.

During the transitional benefits period under paragraph (2), a household shall receive an amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits equal to the allotment received in the month immediately preceding the date on which cash assistance was terminated, adjusted for the change in household income as a result of—

(A) the termination of cash assistance; and

(B) at the option of the State agency, information from another program in which the household participates.

In the final month of the transitional benefits period under paragraph (2), the State agency may—

(A) require the household to cooperate in a recertification of eligibility; and

(B) initiate a new certification period for the household without regard to whether the preceding certification period has expired.

A household shall not be eligible for transitional benefits under this subsection if the household—

(A) loses eligibility under section 2015 of this title ;

(B) is sanctioned for a failure to perform an action required by Federal, State, or local law relating to a cash assistance program described in paragraph (1); or

(C) is a member of any other category of households designated by the State agency as ineligible for transitional benefits.

(A) In general A household receiving transitional benefits under this subsection may apply for recertification at any time during the transitional benefits period under paragraph (2).

(B) Determination of allotment If a household applies for recertification under subparagraph (A), the allotment of the household for all subsequent months shall be determined without regard to this subsection.