MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to notify staff that the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) clarified the Quality Control (QC) Sanction period is 125 days.

When an eligibility unit (EU) refuses to cooperate with a QC review the entire EU is subject to sanction. The QC will send the eligibility specialist a QC Referral for Contact/Sanction (IM-311Q) form. The EU is sanctioned from the Food Stamp program for 125 days after the end of the annual review period, or until the EU cooperates with the quality control review.

The annual review period is from October 1 through September 30 which follows the Federal government's fiscal year. The EU is ineligible until February 2 of the next year.

EXAMPLE: QC reports that an EU refused to cooperate with a review of its case for the sample month of September 2012. The EU is not eligible for food stamp benefits until February 2, 2013 because the annual review period is October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

EXAMPLE: QC reports that an EU refused to cooperate with a review of its case for the sample month of October 2012. The EU is not eligible for food stamp benefits until February 2, 2014 because the annual review period is October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.

The following QC sanction information is revised:

• Food Stamp Manual section 1140.050.05 Sanction of EU for Refusal to Cooperate with a QC Review
• Food Stamp Manual section 1140.050.10 Curing a QC Sanction
• FAMIS User Guide Quality Control Sanction
• QC Non-Compliance Question & Answers (Q&As)

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

AC/ks