Types of changes to be reported depend on if the household is enrolled in SAR.
A household enrolled in SAR must report:
7 CFR § 273.12(a)(i)(vii)
Gross monthly income exceeding 130 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines (FPIG); and
Work hours that fall below 80 hours per month, or an average of 20 hours weekly for a household that contains an ABAWD.
NOTE: A reported change affecting cash assistance or Medical Assistance benefits also affects SNAP benefits.
When an individual moves into a household, it is the household’s responsibility to add the new person’s income to any other household income when determining if the total household income exceeds 130% of the FPIG. The household is required to compare the total household income to the original 130% FPIG limit given to the household.
If a household reports that a new person has moved into the household, it is the CAO’S responsibility to determine if the new member is a mandatory household member and to add the person and his or her income. (See Section 568.6, and Section 568.7.)
Examples:
Mrs. Smith and her three children receive SNAP benefits only. Mrs. Smith’s 130% FPIG reporting requirement is for a family of four. Mr. Smith, who has income, moves back into the household on September 1. Mrs. Smith counts all of the household’s gross monthly income, including her husband’s, and compares that amount with the FPIG limit for a family of four. On October 6, Mrs. Smith reports and verifies that her husband returned to the household and that the household income exceeds the FPIG limit for a family of four for September. The case worker determines that Mr. Smith is a mandatory household member. Mr. Smith and his income are added to the SNAP benefit. The 130% FPIG for the Smiths will be for a family of five.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and their three children receive SNAP benefits. Their FPIG limit is for a family of five. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are both working part-time. Mr. Wilson moves out of the household. Mrs. Wilson does not report this change. To determine the household’s gross monthly income, Mrs. Wilson totals the remaining household members’ income and compares this income amount with the FPIG limit for a family of five. Because Mr. Wilson left the household, Mrs. Wilson does not have to figure out his monthly income for the 130% FPIG comparison. The SNAP benefit and the 130% FPIG limit will remain the same until Mrs. Wilson reports the change at the six-month review or renewal, whichever comes first.
NOTE: Mr. Wilson must be removed from Mrs. Wilson’s SNAP benefits if he applies for SNAP benefits for himself. Persons may not receive SNAP benefits in more than one household.
Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen and their three children receive SNAP benefits. Their FPIG limit is for a family of five. Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen are both working part-time. Mr. Nguyen leaves the household on September 6, and Mrs. Nguyen calls to report this on September 10. The case worker increases benefits for October and provides Mrs. Nguyen the FPIG amount for a family of four.
If a SAR household reports a change of address, the CAO must verify the new address at the next SAR review or renewal. SNAP benefits will be adjusted based on the new shelter and utility costs.
NOTE: If the client reports a change of address, offer the client the opportunity to register to vote or change the registration address. Provide the voter registration form if the client wishes to register to vote or change the registration address, and assist the client in completing the registration form if the client requests help. (See Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 980.)
42 U.S.C.A. § 1973 gg-5 (a)(2)(A)
A household not enrolled in SAR must report changes to the following:
7 CFR § 273.12(a)(1)
Income and the source of income, regardless of the amount received
Unearned income over $125
Who lives in the household
Address and new shelter costs
NOTE: If the client reports a change of address, offer the client the opportunity to register to vote or change the registration address. Provide the voter registration form if the client wishes to register to vote or change the registration address, and assist the client in completing the registration form if the client requests help . (See Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 980.)
42 U.S.C.A. § 1973 gg-5 (a)(2)(A)
Ownership of licensed vehicle
Cash on hand, bank accounts, stocks, or bonds that reach or exceed the eligibility limit
The legal obligation to pay child support
Reminder: Extended SNAP households do not have to report changes during the Extended SNAP period.
7 CFR § 273.12(f)(4)(ii)
NOTE: If the Extended SNAP household reports a change that increases the SNAP benefit, the household must complete the renewal process before benefits may increase.
Elderly and disabled household members do not have to report changes in medical expenses during the certification period.
7 CFR § 273.10(d)
Updated September 6, 2022, replacing October 25, 2017