Due to emergency conditions, it is possible that more than one
family will occupy a dwelling. Therefore, applicant groups or individuals
sharing living quarters may be certified as separate households. The following
eligibility requirements must be met for certification of households under the
provisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan. No other
eligibility requirements will be imposed.
(A)
Eligibility
Requirements.
(1) The household
will be eligible for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan
benefits only once during the time period authorized by FNS. If a new period is
authorized by FNS, the household must reapply. No disaster SNAP benefits shall
be authorized or issued after the expiration of the authorized period.
(a) Ongoing households in the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program, even when the household received its SNAP
benefits during the month in which the disaster occurs, shall not be precluded
a second issuance in accordance with these procedures. A second issuance shall
be made if it appears that due to the disaster the household is unable to make
the previously authorized purchase or has lost stocks of food acquired through
the use of its benefits and meets all other eligibility requirements.
(b) Applicants shall have their application
for benefits processed in accordance with 106 CMR 366.620(A)(1)(b)1. through
5.:
1. Identity is the only required
verification;
2. Household income,
anticipated or received during the benefit period as well as all accessible
liquid assets, less a deduction for disaster-related expenses, shall not exceed
the disaster gross income limits. The formula for determining the disaster
gross income limits is as follows:
|
the maximum net monthly income limit for the
appropriate household size (See
106
CMR 364.975: Standards for Special
Circumstances Involving an Elderly and Disabled
Individual) |
+ |
the current standard deduction (See
106 CMR
364.400: Determining
Deductions) |
+ |
the current shelter deduction (See
106 CMR
364.400: Determining
Deductions) |
3. All
other verifications as specified in
106 CMR
361.610: Verification Requirements at
Initial Certification must be provided if available.
4. The household resides either temporarily
or permanently within the geographical limits of the disaster area as specified
by FNS.
5. The household is in need
of SNAP assistance because of a reduction in or inaccessibility of income or
cash.
(B)
Certification
Procedures.
(1) The household
must complete and have the head of household, or spouse, or authorized
representative sign the disaster benefit application prescribed by the
Department. This application form also serves as a request for the maximum SNAP
benefit for the household's size.
(2) The Department will review the
application to determine if the applicant's statements meet the eligibility
requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Disaster SNAP Plan.
(3) If the household fails to meet the
disaster eligibility requirements, it must be given Notice of Denial and be
advised that it may apply for SNAP assistance in accordance with ongoing
Program requirements.
(4) If the
household is determined to be eligible, the Department must provide:
(a) an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
Card;
(b) disaster SNAP benefits
for the maximum allotment for the household size for the period authorized by
FNS; and
(c) a Notice of Approval
which informs the household where SNAP benefits may be used and that the
benefit is only for the specified period. Further benefits can be given only as
the result of an approval of a new application for a later time period. (If FNS
extends the disaster period, the household will have to make a new application
for further benefits.)
