A PDF version of this Fact Sheet can be found here.
CR-SNAP makes quick and temporary changes to SNAP to ensure benefits are adequate and available in the event of quarantines, store closures, reduced staffing in State and local government offices, closure of schools, and temporary job and wage loss.
This language will:
- Suspend the work & work training requirements for SNAP during this crisis.
- Keeping tabs on hours worked under an emergency is unrealistic. USDA would prefer to make each case subject to “good cause” exemptions. This is not workable under extreme conditions.
- Work training programs may also be shut down by State or local orders, meaning recipients can’t meet the requirement while the emergency exists.
- Allow states to request special waivers from the Secretary to provide temporary, emergency CR-SNAP benefits up to the maximum monthly allotment.
- This would permit beneficiaries to stock up at the grocery store before any quarantine, and help deal with price increases for eligible food. It does not increase SNAP benefits beyond current maximum levels for a household size.
- Give broad discretion to the Secretary to provide much more flexibility for States in managing SNAP caseloads, including: more time between periodic reports; allowing more methods of issuance; and a simplified interview process.
- This gives States the tools they need to continue providing food to their communities under extreme circumstances.
- Require the Secretary to make State requests for waivers and the USDA response as well as any USDA guidance on State flexibilities publicly available online.
- This will help to ensure transparency for States and allow stakeholders to monitor the implementation of CR-SNAP.
- Instruct the Secretary to provide a report 18 months after the emergency documenting the decisions made in the operation of this authority.
