MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify procedures for adding a person to an active Food Stamp case. The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) confirmed an interview cannot be required when an eligibility unit (EU) who is currently certified for Food Stamp benefits reports a new EU member.

Determine the impact of the new member on the EU’s current benefits. This may include contacting the household for information needed to add the individual, requesting verification to establish eligibility for the new EU member, and resolving any questionable information with the EU. These actions do not constitute an interview.

If an EU notifies the Family Support Division (FSD) of a new EU member by phone or face-to-face contact, enter the add-a-person request in FAMIS and complete the controlled flow with the reporter to add the individual to the EU when possible. If a participant notifies FSD of a new EU member in writing (i.e. fax, hand written letter, online change report) and all necessary information is contained in the correspondence provided, do not contact the EU and/or require an interview to add the individual to the EU.

The FSD must take action once a change is reported or becomes known. Determine the effect of the reported change on the EU's eligibility within ten days. When a change is reported or becomes known, enter the new information in FAMIS and take required action to adjust the case, even if the change is one the EU was not required to report.

• If information or verification is needed to add the individual to the EU, generate a Request for Contact (FA-331) and/or a Request for Information (FA-325).

  NOTE: Staff must generate the FA-510 if the EU does not respond to the FA-331 and/or FA-325. (If staff do not generate the FA-510, FAMIS could pend this action for up to 90 days.)

• If no information is needed to add the individual, and, if there is no change in benefits or eligibility as the result of a reported change, the EU is notified with an Action Notice (FA-150).
• If the change results in an increase in benefits, the EU is sent an Action Notice (FA-150) with the amount and the effective date of the benefit increase. The EU is also sent a Food Stamp Change Report (FA-544) form to report future changes.
• If the change results in a decrease in benefits, the EU is sent an Adverse Action Notice (FA-510) with the amount and the effective date of the benefit decrease.

For more information on required verification and reporting changes see Food Stamp Manual sections 1140.000.00 SIMPLIFIED REPORTING and 1140.005.25 Significant Changes.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
• Treat adding a new EU member the same as other EU changes. Request verifications that are necessary. Do not require an in-person interview to add a new member.

AC/ks