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

• •

  about benefits under the Food Stamp (SNAP) 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 SNAP;

   • •

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

   • •

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

   • •

     To qualify for SNAP 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 SNAP (e.g., pamphlet) and/or is a SNAP application is needed?

   1. a. 

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

      b.

   2. b. 

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

      1. 1. 

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

      2. 2. 

         A SNAP 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 SNAP.

3. 3. 

   Title XVI Applicant/Recipient

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

   1. a. 

      Ask the first of the two SNAP 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 SNAP application is still pending, take no further action. Continue with the title XVI interview.

      • •

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

        • –

          If "No," provide a SNAP pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest SNAP 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 SNAP application if a member wants to file for SNAP at the SSA office. Provide a SNAP pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest SNAP 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 SNAP application, SNAP pamphlet and the address and telephone number of the nearest SNAP office.

   3. c. 

      Receiving Food Stamps

      • •

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

      • •

        If the applicant/recipient received an SNAP recertification notice within the last 30 days, ask the second SNAP 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 SNAP application/recertification form, see SI DAL01801.010. Refer anyone who is not a member of a pure SSI household to the local SNAP office to reapply. Provide the individual with an application form and the address of the nearest SNAP 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 specialist (CS) discusses the SNAP 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 SNAP 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 CS

• •

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

• •

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

If there are further questions, the CS 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