7 CFR § 273.2(j)(1)-(5)

Determine the EDG composition before determining RCE.

EDGs are RCE when each EDG member is authorized to receive at least one of the following qualifying programs:

• AABD  
• SAGA
• SSI
• TFA

Exception: Certain EDGs are ineligible for RCE.

“Authorized to receive” means an individual has been determined eligible for benefits and has been notified, even if the benefits have been: 

• authorized but not accessed, 
• authorized but not received, 
• recouped,
• suspended, or 
• not paid because they are less than the minimum amount.

RCE Excluded Tests

7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)(v) and (4)(iii)(A)-(B) & 7 CFR § 273.8(a) & 7 CFR § 273.9(a)

RCE EDGs are not required to meet the following tests:

• Asset limit, including transferred assets policy

Exception:  Transferred assets policy applies for AABD and SAGA EDGs.

• 130% gross income limit
• Net income limit

Ineligible for RCE

7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)(i) and (vii)-(viii) and (4)(v)-(vi)

EDGs are not RCE when:

• The EDG loses eligibility from the qualifying program making them RCE.
• A member is disqualified for Intentional Program Violation (IPV).

• The entire EDG is disqualified because a member failed to comply with workfare.

• The head of household  is disqualified for failing to comply with work requirements.  Or
• A member is disqualified for not complying with the terms of their sentence or probation for a drug-related felony.

In addition, EDGs are not RCE when they are authorized to receive AABD or SAGA and they:

• are ineligible following striker policy, 
• fail to provide required information needed to determine eligibility, or
• make an ineligible transfer of assets.

Determine eligibility under regular SNAP requirements.

Exception: Assets are excluded for EDGs with gross income under 200% of the FPL, even if an EDG member is disqualified.

Excluded EDG Members

7 CFR § 273.2(j)(2)(ix) and (4)(iv)

Do not include the following individuals as a member in an EDG otherwise RCE eligible:  

• Disqualified for criminal justice issues.
• Fleeing felon
• Probation/Parole violation
• Disqualified non-head of household for failure to comply with a work requirement
• Ineligible non-citizens
• Ineligible for failure to provide or apply for an SSN
• Ineligible ABAWD
• Institutionalized in a non-exempt facility
• Non-member students

Note:  The EDG is not RCE eligible if any member of the EDG is disqualified for an IPV.

Delayed RCE Processing 

7 CFR § 273.2(j)(1)(iv)

Hold denials for potentially eligible AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA EDGs until the 30th day following the application file date to allow time for AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA eligibility determinations.  The EDG is advised on the notice of denial to inform DSS if they become eligible for AABD, SAGA, SSI, or TFA.

Exception: Do not postpone benefits if AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA approval is unlikely before the 30th day.

Process the EDG as RCE and authorize benefits back to the application file date if AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA is approved before the 30th day. 

AABD, SAGA, SSI, or TFA Approval After SNAP Denial

7 CFR § 273.2(j)(1)(iv)

Take the following actions when the SNAP application was jointly filed and the AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA application is approved after the SNAP denial:

• Reopen the application back to the original application file date.
• Update any information available from the AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA case.
• Contact the EDG by mail or phone to:
• confirm updated information, and
• obtain new information.
• Determine SNAP eligibility.
• If eligible, authorize benefits back to the SNAP application filing date, or the effective date of AABD, SAGA, SSI or TFA benefits, whichever is later.

Take the following actions if changes were reported that differ from the original application:

• Note the changes from the original application.
• Contact the EDG by phone or mail to confirm the changes and explain agency actions.
• Ask the EDG to update the application by:
• initialing the changes,
• resigning and redating the application.
• Send a W-1348, Proofs We Need, if verification of the changes is required. Allow the EDG 10 days to provide the verifications.