The Combined Application Project (CAP) is a government partnership among the States,
the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
CAP involves streamlined procedures for providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) benefits to certain one-person households eligible for both SNAP and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SNAP benefits are processed for applicants for
and recipients of SSI using the SSI interview, increased automation, and simplified
allotment calculations, eliminating the need for a face-to-face interview with SNAP
program staff.
There are two types of CAPs standard and modified.
The standard CAP includes simplified joint application processing by SSA as individuals
apply for or have redeterminations completed for SSI.
The modified CAP does not require coordination with SSA.
Both CAP models use information already provided to the State via the automated State
Data Exchange (SDX) system to identify and enroll SSI recipients using a streamlined
application process. The information in this section provides specific information
about each type of CAP.
1. Standard Combined Application Project
Standard CAP provides an alternative to the joint processing provisions of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 for one-person households eligible for both SNAP and SSI.
Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, South Carolina, and Washington State
operate a standard CAP. In addition, a standard CAP:
-
•
Allows someone who meets the State's CAP-eligibility criteria to apply for SNAP at
an SSA office by completing an SSI application or redetermination.
-
•
Improves customer service by providing a single point of contact.
-
•
Increases participation of SSI recipients in SNAP.
-
•
Continues moving toward paperless processing.
-
•
Limits administrative costs by minimizing duplication of intake and application procedures
for two different federal programs.
Refer to Regional POMS Supplements and Regional Intranet Sites for more information
and processing instructions on specific standard CAP States.
2. Modified Combined Application Project
Modified CAP is a State outreach project only. Modified CAP States use information
from SSA's SDX to identify SSI recipients who are not already receiving SNAP. Potentially
eligible individuals identified by the State will be mailed a simplified SNAP application
by the State, which must be returned to a State SNAP office. Currently, the following
States operate a modified CAP: Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New
Jersey, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia.
SSA technicians screen and offer SNAP application assistance to individuals who live
in a modified CAP State following the same procedures as they would for an individual
who lives in a non-CAP State, see SI 01801.010.