1135.005.00 Special Meal Programs

1135.005.25.05 Eligibility Determination

IM-34 April 14, 2023; IM-02 January 12, 2023; IM-93 September 16, 2004; IM-53 March 23, 2000

The group living arrangement determines if any resident may apply for SNAP benefits on their own behalf. Determination is based on the resident’s physical and mental ability to handle their own affairs. Encourage the group living arrangement provider to consult with other state agencies providing other services to individual residents prior to determination.

Determine household size for eligible residents acting on their own behalf the same as for households living outside a group living arrangement. They may use SNAP benefits to purchase meals prepared especially for them at a group living arrangement if the facility is authorized by Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) for that purpose, or to purchase food to prepare meals for their own consumption.

If residents apply through the facility’s authorized representative, the resident must:

  • meet the same income and resource requirements as other households
  • be certified as a one-person household, and
  • permit the non-profit organization operating the facility to function as the resident’s authorized representative to apply for SNAP benefits

Complete a full investigation as for any other applications. The following requirements must also be met:

  • The authorized representative must be:
    • the administrator of the group facility or written designee
    • be present at the interview, and
    • sign the statement of eligibility
  • Record the authorized representative’s name and address in the eligibility system.
  • Inform the authorized representative of the following:
    • The EBT card is mailed in the resident’s name.
    • The EBT cardholder must call the EBT Vendor at 800-997-7777 to choose a PIN.
    • The authorized representative does not receive an EBT card.
    • The authorized representative does not hold the card for the resident, except by request of the resident for safekeeping. At no time should the PIN be given to the authorized representative.
    • The resident is exempt from work registration.