The CAO must assign the longest certification period possible, using the guidelines below.
7 CFR § 273.10(f)
NOTE: The CAO must not base the certification period on the household's enrollment in SAR. For SAR policy relating to certification periods, see Chapter 571.11.
The CAO must assign 24-month certification period to the household if:
All adult members are elderly or disabled. For the definition of elderly/disabled, see Chapter 510.21 Definitions of Elderly and Disabled individuals.
The 24-month certification period applies whether of not the household has earned or unearned income. If the household no longer receives earned or unearned income, the certification period does not change.
The CAO must assign a 12-month certification period if non-elderly-disabled the household has:
Earned income, or
Unearned income.
If the household no longer receives earned or unearned income, the certification period does not change.
The CAO must also assign a 12-month certification period to an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) household that is not subject to time limits if the household lives in a geographically waived area. See Chapter 575.25.
The CAO must assign a six-month certification period to the household if it is:
A migrant or seasonal farm worker household;
A zero-income household; or
Has only earned or unearned income that is exempt..
NOTE: The CAO must consider a household whose only income is from cash assistance as a household with exempt unearned income..
If the ABAWD is not currently meeting the work requirement and is not exempt by law, the CAO must base the length of the certification period on the number of months the ABAWD is allowed to receive SNAP benefits. See Chapter 575.25.
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Reissued November 16, 2016, replacing September 16, 2015