IM-40 COVID-19 EXTENSION OF STATEWIDE FOOD STAMP RE-CERTIFICATION WAIVER

Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  COVID-19 EXTENSION OF STATEWIDE FOOD STAMP RE-CERTIFICATION WAIVER

DISCUSSION:

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has granted Missouri an extension to the Statewide Food Stamp Re-certification Waiver discussed in 2020 IM Memo #17 dated 3/23/2020. This extension affects households that are required to recertify in June 2020.

To prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 health crisis, a 6 month extension will be added to the current 12 month certification period for non-elderly and non-disabled households required to recertify during June 2020. A 6 month extension will be added to the current 24 month certification period for elderly and disabled households required to recertify in June 2020. The certification period will be extended beyond their currently scheduled expiration date by 6 months.

Periodic reporting requirements of the Mid Certification Review (MCR) are also adjusted for households with a reporting period of March through June 2020.

Example: The Allen family is due to recertify for Food Stamp benefits in June 2020. The eligibility system will use current case information and extend certification to December 2020. The Allen family will continue to receive Food Stamp benefits with no benefit interruption.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/rw