Food andNutrition
Service
1320 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA
22314
MEMORANDUM
TO: SNAP State Agencies
FROM: Jessica Shahin, Associate Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP)
DATE: March 20, 2020
The attached is guidance to States in implementing Families First Coronavirus
Response Act of 2020, which provides for the issuance of emergency allotments
(supplements) based on a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary
of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service
Act related to an outbreak of COVID-19 when a State has also issued an
emergency or disaster declaration.
Please be advised that the contents of this document do not have the force and
effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is
intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements
under the law or agency policies. Any questions should be directed to Andrea
Gold, Director, Retail Policy and Management Division.
Sincerely,
Jessica Shahin
Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Attachment
JESSICA SHAHIN
Digitally signed by JESSICA
SHAHIN
Date: 2020.03.20 13:38:46 -04'00'
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Request to Provide Emergency Allotments (Supplements) to SNAP Households
Thecontentsofthisdocumentdonothavetheforceandeffectoflawandarenotmeanttobindthepublicinany
way.Thisdocumentisintendedonlytoprovideclaritytothepublicregardingexistingrequirementsunderthelaw
oragencypolicies.
1. Type of Request: Initial
2. Primary Citation: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
3. State [specify]:
4. Proposed Alternative Procedures:
The State proposes to provide an emergency allotment to address temporary food
needs to households to bring all households up to the maximum benefit due to
pandemic related economic conditions for up to 2 months. Contingent upon the
availability of funding and ongoing need, USDA may approve additional months of
emergency issuance with an extension request from the State.
These households are eligible for temporary emergency allotments because:
There is a public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and there is a State-wide emergency or disaster declaration
(copy attached); and
Due to Covid-19 [check all that apply]:
Residents of the State are confirmed to have contracted Covid-19
Some or all areas of the State are containment or quarantine zones
Businesses have closed or significantly reduced their hours
The State’s residents have experienced economic impacts due to job
suspensions or losses
The State’s residents have been directed to practice social distancing
Issuing Emergency Allotments to Current SNAP Households:
Supplemental emergency allotments would be issued in the following manner:
In March, 2020
On a single date [specify]: ________
Over a series of days as follows: ________________
Staggered as follows: ___________________________
Other [please explain]:___________________________
In subsequent months, emergency allotments should be provided in accordance with
the State’s regular issuance schedule. If a State wants to use a different schedule,
explain:
___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The State may provide the emergency allotment(s) without contacting the
household. While individual notification is not required, States should notify clients
consistent with SNAP requirements for mass changes, including notice that
emergency allotments will be issued for up to 2 months. Should this schedule
change and additional months are approved during the public health emergency, the
State will provide a subsequent mass change notice at that time.
Other Requirements: [If applicable, STATE SHOULD ADDRESS ANY OTHER
STATE-SPECIFIC NEEDS THEY MAY HAVE.]
All emergency allotments will be delivered on the household’s EBT card.
The State’s SNAP agency also agrees to complete the FNS-292 on a timely basis in
accordance with requirements as well as all other normally recurring SNAP reporting
included the FNS 46 and 388 reports, on a timely basis in accordance with
requirements.
In addition, The State agency will submit weekly reports to FNS with the following
information for the entire State:
The value of EA issued.
The average issuance amount per household.
The number of households issued EA
Justification for Request: Coronavirus COVID-19, as provided by the Families
First Coronavirus Response Act.
5. Affected Caseload:
One month estimates for existing SNAP households under these procedures:
Number of households receiving emergency allotments benefits: ________
Amount of emergency allotment benefits issued for one month: $ _________
Number of months requested (2 month limit) ________________
USDA reserves the right to withdraw or otherwise modify this approval subject to
availability of funding
6. Anticipated Implementation Date:
7. Signature and Title of Requesting State Agency Official:
__________________
Signature
__________________
Print Name and Title
8. Date of Request:
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