Categorical eligibility applies to households, not individuals. Household composition must be determined prior to determining categorical eligibility. Separate household status is not granted to an individual household member because of categorical eligibility.
A categorically eligible household does not have to meet the resource limit or the gross or net income limits. 7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)
Categorically eligibility households for SNAP are households containing all Cash Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Family Works (FW) recipients.
A recipient is a person who: 7 CFR § 273.2(j)
Is receiving cash assistance (TANF, GA, SBP), FW, or SSI benefits;
Is authorized for cash assistance or SSI but has not yet received payment;
Is eligible for cash assistance or SSI but has had benefits suspended or recouped; or
Is eligible for cash assistance of less than $5 a month and therefore is not receiving payment.
The following households receive Expanded Categorical Eligibility:
Effective July 27, 2009, categorical eligibility was expanded to include otherwise eligible households that do not have any elderly or disabled household members and have income at or below 160 percent of the FPIG’s.
Households having an elderly or disabled member and income at or below 200 percent of the FPIG’s.
Expanded categorically eligible households for SNAP receive the brochure “Help for Pennsylvanians in Need.” These households must meet resource limits and have gross income within the limits discussed above.
REMINDER: There is no gross income test for elderly and disabled households. Elderly or disabled households that exceed 200 percent of the FPIG’s (though not categorically eligible) may remain potentially eligible if they pass the net test. Many such households may qualify for the minimum benefit.
A household does not qualify for categorical eligibility or expanded categorical eligibility if a member of the household is disqualified for: 7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)(vii)
Intentional program violation
Failure to comply with semiannual reporting (SAR) requirements
The head of household fails to comply with employment and training requirements.
A household does not qualify for expanded categorical eligibility if a member of the household is disqualified for:
A violation of a condition of probation or parole under a federal or state law.
The following persons are not members of a SNAP household: 7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)(ix)
Ineligible noncitizens
Ineligible students
Institutionalized individuals, unless the facility meets an exemption (See Chapter 511)
Reissued June 20, 2012, replacing March 1, 2012