![]() Lessons Learned to Inform Permanent Improvements Specific waivers that FNS anticipates approving include those for streamlining recertification procedures, waiving interviews at initial application or recertification, allowing alternative methods of recording telephonic signatures, and handling address changes submitted without updated shelter cost information. In a memorandum dated Monday, August 15, 2022, FNS explains, “SNAP State agencies, many of which have integrated systems and application processing, anticipate challenges in meeting SNAP federal requirements due to the end of the PHE and requirements associated with Medicaid unwinding and initiating Medicaid redeterminations.” Therefore, it advised, “FNS is offering administrative waivers for certification processes using our authority to approve waivers under 7 CFR 272.3(c)(1)(i) due to extraordinary temporary situations or when they would result in a more effective and efficient administration of the program.” Although it is unclear when the PHE will end, FNS anticipates that SNAP state agencies may continue to grapple with capacity issues. Some of the temporary flexibilities that states have had were pursuant to statutory relief enacted by Congress only so long as the PHE was in place, while others were based on FNS’ inherent waiver authority. SNAP state administrators have reported that “certification and interview adjustment waivers were critical for managing caseloads, removing barriers to enrollment for new SNAP applicants, and maintaining benefit access for current SNAP beneficiaries.” Promoting Effective and Efficient AdministrationĪs we discussed in an earlier FRAC Chat, increased need and demand for services in the pandemic, coupled with greater use of remote operations, presented challenges for conducting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment. In new policy guidance, FNS has clarified that, even after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration (PHE) and its enhanced authority ends, it can use its normal waiver authority to approve requests for continuation of some of those workarounds. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has had enhanced authority from Congress to grant state SNAP agencies greater flexibility on enrollment procedures.
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