MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

An individual is permanently ineligible to participate in the Food Stamp Program if convicted in a Federal or State court after 9/22/96 of trading Food Stamp benefits for:

• guns, ammunitions, or explosives; or
• drugs.

Ineligibility begins with the date of conviction for both disqualifications.

An EU with a member who is disqualified for either offense cannot be Categorically Eligible (CE).

Two additional questions are added to the FS/TA Declarations (FMMM) screen in FAMIS to obtain this information during the application interview.

Disqualified for Trading Food Stamp Benefits for Guns, Ammunitions, or Explosives

If the applicant answers yes for any EU member, enter the appropriate information on the Declaration Detail (FMMN) screen in FAMIS. Enter the disqualification on the Sanction/Disqualification (FMAM) screen using type TRA, TRAFFICKING INVOLVING $500 OR MORE (D).

Enter the resources, income, and allowable expenses of the disqualified member on the appropriate screens in FAMIS so they are considered in making the resource and budget determinations. FAMIS includes all income, resources, and expenses to determine eligibility for the remaining EU members.

Disqualified for Trading Food Stamp Benefits for Drugs

If the applicant answers yes for any EU member, enter the appropriate information on the Declaration Detail (FMMN) screen in FAMIS. Enter the disqualification on the Sanction/Disqualification (FMAM) screen using type PCS, PURCHASED A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Enter the resources, income, and allowable expenses of the disqualified member on the appropriated screens in FAMIS, so they are considered in making the resource and budget determinations. FAMIS includes all income, resources, and expenses to determine eligibility for the remaining EU members.

Manual Revision

The Food Stamp Manual is revised to include policy for the additional declaration questions. Sections 1105.015.10.55 and 1105.015.10.55.05 are added to the Food Stamp Manual explaining ineligibility due to conviction for trading Food Stamp benefits for guns, ammunitions, or explosives. Sections 1105.015.10.60 and 1105.015.10.60.05 are added to the Food Stamp Manual explaining ineligibility due to conviction for trading Food Stamp benefits for drugs.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff

JM