MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

Due to the scope of the disaster and connectivity of the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico (NAP) eligibility system, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is providing policy to ensure that residents of Puerto Rico who were impacted by the hurricanes are able to receive timely nutrition assistance.

FNS has directed Missouri to serve displaced individuals through the regular SNAP program under regular eligibility rules, including expedited procedures as appropriate.

NOTE: This policy does not waive any application processing or certification rules, but does permit households that receive NAP to apply for and receive SNAP prior to closing their NAP cases.

If the client is a current recipient of NAP benefits in Puerto Rico, they will need to complete the attached affidavit stating that the applicant understands that no member of the household may receive benefits from both NAP and SNAP simultaneously and that the household will close its NAP case as soon as possible (once connectivity is restored). Once the affidavit is signed, these households may receive SNAP, subject to SNAP’s eligibility criteria. These households that are certified for SNAP will receive a temporary benefit for a maximum of 2 months (September and October). The client will have to complete a normal Food Stamp Application (FS-1) as well to establish household composition.

All affidavits and applications will be processed at central office. Please send all completed affidavits and applications to the SNAP Unit at ColeFSPolicy@dss.mo.gov.

NOTE: ONLY ACTIVE NAP RECIPIENT HOUSEHOLDS MUST COMPLETE THE AFFIDAVIT. Affidavits can only be accepted through October 31, 2017.

If SNAP benefits are requested, a Food Stamp Application (FS-1) will need to be completed with normal application procedures. Processing staff will need to ensure that duplicate benefits are not issued if the client has submitted a NAP affidavit.

When field staff receive an application and it is indicated that the applicant is an evacuee of Puerto Rico, please follow the steps below to ensure the applications are properly tracked in ITrackRS for reporting purposes.

RC Greeter Dashboard

1. Reason for Visit = Application
   • Sub-Reason for Visit = Select application type
   • Comments = Enter “Puerto Rico”
2. Reason for Visit = Interview
   • Sub-Reason for Visit = Select application type
   • Comments = Enter “Puerto Rico”

Mail-In Dashboard

1. Reason = Select application type
   • Comments = Enter “Puerto Rico”
   • MERIT Call Centers Dashboard
2. Reason for Call = Select application type
   • Sub-Reason for Call = Select reason
   • Comments = Enter “Puerto Rico”

For all evacuee applications received, regardless of source (mail, resource center) staff must ensure that all affidavits and applications are entered in ITrackRS.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with the appropriate staff.

PL/jb