To align Semiannual Reporting (SAR) and renewal dates for all programs, the CAO may shorten the current SNAP certification period and set a new certification period for SNAP households enrolled in SAR who later apply for and receive TANF or Medical Assistance (MA).
When SAR began, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) granted Department of Human Services (DHS) a two year waiver of 7 CFR 273.10(f)(4). This allowed DHS to shorten the SNAP certification period when a SNAP household applied for Cash Assistance (CA) or MA. The waiver was to aid in the transition to SAR. The waiver expired May 31, 2005, and was not renewed. FNS approved a new waiver to shorten SNAP certification periods. It includes certain conditions for recipient notices.
The CAO may complete a SNAP renewal interview when a SNAP household enrolled in SAR applies and is authorized for TANF or MA using an application form (PA600 or PA600R) that includes SNAP. The CAO must complete a SNAP renewal interview if it is best for the recipient.
When the CAO completes a SNAP renewal interview:
The current SNAP certification period is shortened.
A new certification period begins that aligns with the MA or TANF renewal period.
The CAO sends a Confirming Notice for the SNAP budget stating the benefit amount and new certification period.
NOTE: Use Reason Code 001 with Option Code 6 for the Confirming Notice. Send this notice regardless of whether the SNAP benefit amount has changed.
The CAO is not required to issue supplemental benefits or to complete overpayments when the SNAP renewal is completed. For example, if the recipient provides verification within 60 days instead of 30 or if the CAO does not process the TANF or MA budget timely, the CAO does not issue a supplemental SNAP benefit or complete an overpayment. A Quality Control error does not occur if the CAO chooses not to shorten the SNAP certification period.
If a household files a fair hearing request within 13 days of the Confirming Notice mailing date because the SNAP benefit amount decreased and chooses to continue receiving the original benefit rather than the proposed reduction, the CAO must continue the original benefit amount.
The CAO must explain the household’s right to receive the original amount instead of the proposed reduction. Continue the original benefit amount until the hearing decision, but no longer than through the end of the original certification period.
If a household appeals after 13 days but before 90 days, it will continue receiving benefits at the reduced amount until the hearing decision.
Reminder: Narrate all case actions.
When opening a TANF or Medical Assistance budget through the Program Add workflow and the SNAP certification period needs to be shortened, the case should be processed to the SNAP Budget Authorization Screen, and the SAR and Reapp Due Date must be amended in accordance with OPS 11-07-01. At the Post Authorization/Client notice screen the FS00 notice must be issued as Notice 001, Option 6. If the existing SNAP budget does not change as a result of adding TANF and/or Medical Assistance the system will not issue a 001 notice. The IMCW must issue a manual notice to inform the HH of the revised certification period. Case comments must be added to document the revised SNAP certification period.
To update a reapplication or SAR date in eCIS
Utilizing the maintenance workflow from the Case Summary screen, access the Execute Eligibility screen and run eligibility. Continue to process the case ensuring all benefits are correct and upon reaching the Budget Authorization Screen(s) make the necessary adjustments to the SAR and Renewal date fields as applicable. Continue to process and enter all relevant information and complete all mandatory (*) fields though case commit. The IMCW must issue a manual notice to inform the HH of the revised certification period. Case comments must be added to document the revised SNAP certification period.
Additional information can be found at:
Budget Alignment and Certification Period Desk Guide
SNAP Handbook Chapter 575 Certification Periods
Updated September 23, 2026, replacing September 18, 2012