View Rule

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.

Statement of Need:

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.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

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

Alternatives:

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.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

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

Risks:

Any associated risks will be discussed in the proposed rule.