The CAO sets the period of time, called the certification period, during which a household is eligible to receive benefits. SNAP benefits stop at the end of each certification period. The CAO continues benefits only after renewal of eligibility. Renewal must include the following: 7 CFR § 273.10(f)
A completed renewal form
An interview
Submission of required verification
Households enrolled in semiannual reporting (SAR) that have a 12-month certification period must also have a 6-month review period. The certification period is based on calendar months. It begins the first day of the first month of eligibility.
Examples:
A household applies in January and is eligible for benefits in January. The application is processed in February. The certification period begins in January.
A household applies in January and is not eligible for benefits in January. The application is processed in February. The certification period begins in February.
An eligible household that is not receiving a benefit because of proration is considered eligible in that month. The month that the benefits are prorated to $0 is the first month of the certification period.
When the CAO completes a renewal, the new certification period begins the month following the end of the previous certification period. 7 CFR § 273.10(f)(1)
Example: A household is certified through March. The CAO completes the renewal in March. The new certification period starts in April.
OPS070802 Shortening Food Stamp (FS) Certification Periods at Application for TANF or Medicaid (Linked August 28, 2007)
Reissued March 1, 2012, replacing March 27, 2004