Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Manual

1130.035.00 Basis of Issuance and Determining Benefit Levels

IM-34 April 25, 2018; IM-140 November 20, 2017; IM-26 March 19, 2004

After eligibility is established, FAMIS assigns a food stamp allotment from the Basis of Issuance Tables based on income figures from the application.

Normally, the EU receives the full monthly allotment throughout its certification period. However, for the initial month, the EU is entitled to only a partial allotment. For the first month an EU applies for the Food Stamp Program and for any subsequent application months following a break of not participating in the program, prorate the benefit amount by reducing the monthly allotment in proportion to the number of days from the date of application until the end of the month (see 1130.010.00 Proration). The proration amount is averaged based on a 30-day month. Whether the EU receives the full monthly allotment or a prorated amount, FAMIS make a determination about eligibility and allotment by considering all income and resources available to the EU for the month.

NOTE: Any eligible one or two person household will be eligible for the minimum monthly allotment of $15. The initial month’s benefits may be less than $15 due to proration.

EUs consisting of three or more person that are eligible for $1, $3, or $5 allotments for subsequent months receive allotments of $2, $4, and $6 respectively.