SSA is to inform all initial title II claimants and title XVI applicants/recipients

• •

  about benefits under the Food Stamp (FS) program, and that

• •

  FS application forms are available at Social Security offices.

1. 1. 

   Include the following in your explanation to both title II claimants and title XVI applicants/recipients:

   • •

     SSA provides information about the FS program;

   • •

     The FS program provides monthly benefits that help low-income households to buy the food needed for good health;

   • •

     FSs is a Federal program that is administered by each State;

   • •

     To qualify for FSs you must be a U. S. citizen or alien admitted for legal residence, and meet certain income and resource limits; and

   • •

     FS application forms are available at Social Security offices.

2. 2. 

   Title II Claimant

   Ask the title II claimant if more information on FS (e.g., pamphlet) and/or is a FS application is needed?

   1. a. 

      If the answer is "no" to both more information and the FS application, the FS issue is closed. Continue with the title II claims interview.

   2. b. 

      If the answer is "yes" to either the request for more information or to wanting an FS application, inform the title II claimant that the State is responsible for taking FS applications, and provide the applicant with the following:

      1. 1. 

         General information on FS (e.g., pamphlet/fact sheet); and/or

      2. 2. 

         An FS application; and

      3. 3. 

         The address and telephone number of the nearest FS office.

   3. c. 

      If the title II claimant will also be interviewed for an initial title XVI claim or a redetermination, inform the title II claimant that the title XVI interviewer will also discuss FSs.

3. 3. 

   Title XVI Applicant/Recipient

   After providing the information discussed in GN DAL00203.002B.1, take the following actions when completing the FS questions on the title XVI application/redetermination forms, see SI 01801.010 and SI DAL01801.010:

   1. a. 

      Ask the first of the two FS questions (i.e., Are you currently receiving food stamps or has a food stamp application been filed for you within the past 60 days on which there has not been a decision?). Depending on the response, follow 3.b. or 3.c. below.

   2. b. 

      Not Receiving Food Stamps

      • •

        If the FS application is still pending, take no further action. Continue with the title XVI interview.

      • •

        If no FS application has been filed, ask the second FS question (i.e., Do you wish to apply for food stamps?).

        • –

          If "No," provide a FS pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest FS office.

        • –

          If "Yes," follow instructions in SI 01801.010 - SI 01801.400, SI DAL01801.010, SI DAL01801.040. Assist pure SSI household members in completing an FS application if a member wants to file for FSs at the SSA office. Provide a FS pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest FS office. Refer applicants/recipients who are not members of a pure SSI household to the FS office. Provide the individual with a copy of the FS application, FS pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest FS office.

   3. c. 

      Receiving Food Stamps

      • •

        If the applicant /recipient indicates currently receiving FSs and has not received an FS recertification notice within the last 30 days, take no further action. Continue with the title XVI interview.

      • •

        If the applicant/recipient received an FS recertification notice within the last 30 days, ask the second FS question (i.e., Do you wish to apply (reapply) for food stamps?).

If "Yes," assist any member of a pure SSI household in completing an FS application/recertification form, see SI DAL01801.010. Refer anyone who is not a member of a pure SSI household to the local FS office to reapply. Provide the individual with an application form and the address of the nearest FS office. The Texas SNAP food benefit application can be found by clicking on http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/1010-eng.pdf (English), and http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/1010-span.pdf (Spanish).

Title II Applicant During the pre-interview process, the claims representative (CR) discusses the Food Stamp (FS) program with Mr. Smith. The discussion, geared to the individual's circumstances, would be as follows:

Mr. Smith, I would like to take a moment to inform you about a program that provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy the food they need for good health. This is the Food Stamp program, which is a Federal program administered by each State.

To qualify for food stamps you must be a U. S. citizen or an alien admitted for legal residence, and meet certain income and resource limits. Would you like more information such as a pamphlet on food stamps or may I provide you with an application for your completion?

Mr. Smith asks for more information and the CR

• •

  Informs Mr. Smith that each State is responsible for taking FS applications and making its own determinations of eligibility; and

• •

  Provides a pamphlet with more information, the phone number and address of the nearest FS office, and an FS application for Mr. Smith to complete and take to the FS office.

If there are further questions, the CR should refer the applicant to the FS office. If there are no more questions, the CR will continue with the pre-interview process.

SI 01801.010 Food Stamp Application Process

SI DAL01801.010 The Food Stamp Application Process – Texas

SI DAL01801.040 Residents of Institutions for Food Stamp Purposes

SI 01801.400 Exhibit – Social Security Administration Transmittal for Food Stamp Applications