Ask the required SNAP screening questions during the Title XVI application or a scheduled
redetermination (RZ) interview. Do not initiate an unscheduled RZ for any SSI recipient
who is not scheduled for an RZ. The fact of inquiring about filing for SNAP benefits
itself does not affect SSI eligibility or create the need for an RZ. Instead, complete
a stand-alone post-eligibility (PE) event in the SSI Claims System and complete the
SNAP screening questions on the Potential Eligibility for Other Benefits Leads - Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program screen.
In most cases, you must offer SSI applicants and recipients who are members of a pure
SSI household the opportunity to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits, following instructions
in SI 01801.010A.1. and SI 01801.010A.2.
Do not take a SNAP application if the applicant or recipient:
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is currently receiving SNAP benefits and has not received a recertification notice within the past 30 days; or
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filed for SNAP within the past 60 days.
IMPORTANT: If you contact an individual (in person or by telephone) who completed an SSI application
online, you must ask the individual the SNAP screening questions. Offer to assist
the individual with completing a SNAP application or recertification, if the individual
lives in a pure SSI household.
For the definition of a pure SSI household, see SI 01801.005B.3.
NOTE: If the applicant or recipient has an authorized representative, see SI 01801.005B.4.
1. Member of a pure SSI household wishes to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits
Follow these instructions if a member of a pure SSI household wishes to apply or recertify
for SNAP benefits.
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Advise the applicant or recipient that they are not required to go to the local SNAP
office to file for benefits and that we will assist them in completing a SNAP application
or recertification.
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Ask the required SNAP question, “May I take your SNAP application today?” Then complete
the State SNAP application or recertification form.
EXPEDITED SERVICE: To see what conditions qualify as “immediate need,” or if you think the household
may be entitled to this emergency process, see SI 01801.150.
2. Member of a pure SSI household does not wish to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits
If a member of a pure SSI household seems reluctant to file for SNAP benefits, follow
the instructions in SI 01801.010B.1. If they refuse or decline to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits at the FO, refer
them to the local SNAP office. Document the reason for the refusal on an SSA-5002
(Report of Contact) or on the RPOC screen. For common reasons why an applicant or
recipient may refuse or decline to apply at the field office, see SI 01801.010B.2.
3. Applicant or recipient who is not a member of a pure SSI household wishes to apply
or recertify for SNAP benefits
Refer the applicant or recipient to the local SNAP office if they are not a member
of a pure SSI household but wish to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits. Be sure
to give them the address and telephone number of the local SNAP office.