0584-AF10 202510 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Reforming Categorical Eligibility

Under section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, households in which all members receive benefits under a State program funded by the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program are categorically eligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This proposal would change the regulations at 7 CFR 273.2(j)(2) pertaining to categorically eligible TANF households by limiting categorical eligibility to certain households that receive cash TANF or other substantial assistance from TANF. The proposed revisions would create a clearer and more consistent nationwide policy that ensures categorical eligibility is extended only to households that have sufficiently demonstrated eligibility by qualifying for ongoing and substantial benefits from TANF-funded programs designed to assist households and move them towards self-sufficiency.

]]> Economically Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage Yes Undetermined Regulatory 7 CFR 273 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036 Yes

This proposal refines SNAP eligibility requirements by reforming categorical eligibility to better serve households that have demonstrated a need for assistance. Under the proposed rule, categorical eligibility would be limited to households that receive cash or other substantial assistance from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. This change would create a clearer, more consistent nationwide policy that ensures only households truly in need and on a path to self-sufficiency are deemed eligible.

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The legal basis for this proposed rule can be found in  7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.

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The Department considered  alternative approaches including the ongoing and substantial framework proposed in the 2019 proposed rule. The Department believes the current proposed rule best aligns with Congressional intent for categorical eligibility; however, the Department is seeking public comment on the proposed approach.

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The anticipated costs and benefits will be discussed in the Regulatory Impact Analysis which will accompany the rule.

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Any associated risks will be discussed in the proposed rule.

]]> NPRM 11/00/2026 No Undetermined Undetermined No No Lynn Gilbert 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 703 305-1615 lynn.gilbert@usda.gov 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria VA 22314 Richard Lucas 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 703 457-6797 richard.lucas@usda.gov 1320 Braddock Place, Room 555, Alexandria VA 22314