7 CFR § 273.2(e) & 7 CFR § 273.14(b)(1)(i) and (iii) and (2)-(4) & Waiver 7 CFR § 273.2(e)


A renewal is complete when:

  • a W-1ER, Renewal Application, is provided,
  • all required verifications are provided, and 
  • an interview is completed by the EDG or A-Rep, if required.

Exception:  Elderly or disabled EDGs with no earned income are not required to complete an interview at renewal.


Notice of Expiration (NOE)

7 CFR § 273.14(b)(1)(i) and (iii)


EDGs must receive notice that their current benefit period is ending and what they must do to continue to receive SNAP benefits.   ImpaCT mails a renewal application with a Notice of Expiration (NOE).  


  NOEs advise the EDG:

  • Their benefit period is ending
  • The due date to submit a timely-filed renewal application for uninterrupted benefits
  • The renewal application can be submitted:
    • at any field office, 
    • by mail, 
    • online through MyAccount, or
    • through SSA for pure SSI EDGs.
  • Where to file the renewal application if not submitted online (scanning center mailing address)
  • Of their right to file an renewal application with only a:
    • signature, and
    • date;
  • Of their interview requirements
  • Of their responsibility to reschedule a missed interview 
  • Of the results of failure to timely apply for renewal 
  • Of their fair hearing rights


Renewal Application 

7 CFR § 273.14(b)(2)


ImpaCT mails a renewal application with a NOE the month before the end of the EDG’s current benefit period.


Timely Renewal Application 

7 CFR § 273.2(c)(1)(iv) & 7 CFR § 273.14(c)(1)-(4)


To file timely, EDGs must provide a signed and dated renewal application by the 15th day of the last month of their benefit period. The renewal application can be submitted:

  • by mail, 
  • in-person, 
  • online through MyAccount, or
  • through the local Social Security office.


The file date is the date the renewal application is:

  • received/date stamped in the:
    • DSS office, or
    • Social Security office; or
  • received online during: 
    • normal business hours, or 
    • the next business day when received after normal work hours. 


EDGs lose their right to uninterrupted benefits when they fail to timely file.


The case automatically closes at the end of the benefit period if the renewal application is not provided by the last day of the benefit period.


Interview

7 CFR § 273.2(e)(1)-(3) & 7 CFR § 273.14(b)(3)(i)-(iii) and Waiver of 7 CFR § 273.2(e)(2) & 7 CFR 273.14(b)(3)


EDGs must complete an interview as part of the renewal process.  EDGs who do not submit their renewal application and complete an interview are sent a notice and advised to contact the Benefit Center to complete their interview. 


Exception:  Unless requested, an interview is not required if the household qualifies for the ESAP waived interview criteria:

  • the EDG’s adult members are elderly or disabled, and have no earned income. 
  • The SNAP renewal form is submitted timely and information is complete. 
  • Mandatory verifications are complete and not questionable. 
  • The household has been approved for continuing eligibility.




Note:  When an interview is requested by an elderly/disabled EDG with no earned income, attempt 2 cold calls before scheduling an on-demand interview.  If the scheduled interview is missed, a Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI)  must be sent before denying the case for the reason – “Failed to keep interview appointment for renewal.”


Who to Interview

7 CFR § 273.2(e)(1)


Complete an interview with one of the following individuals:


Note:  Individuals may bring anyone they choose to the interview.


How to Complete the Interview

7 CFR § 273.2(e)(1) and (2)


After the renewal application is registered in ImpaCT, make 2 attempts to cold call the applicant to complete the interview.  


Send a Renewal Telephone Interview notice after 2 attempts if the EDG cannot be reached.  The notice advises the EDG to call the Benefit Center, using the toll free number, Monday through Friday, during Benefit Center hours, to complete an interview, or to schedule an in-person interview.

 

Exception: Complete a face-to-face interview for the following reasons:

  • EDG or A-Rep request
  • In-person renewal 
  • Needed to resolve issues or questions


Note:  EDGs who notified DSS they wish to complete in-person interviews at renewal are advised in their NOE to go to a DSS office to complete their interview within 12 days.  ImpaCT is coded so the correct NOE is issued.


Face-to-face interviews may be completed at:

  • any field office,
  • a mutually acceptable location, or
  • the applicant’s residence.  

Note: The interview must be scheduled in advance if conducted at the applicant’s residence.


Complete required interviews for EDGs with multiple programs at the same time whenever possible.


Interview Process

7 CFR § 273.2(e)(1) and (3)


Treat the interview as a confidential discussion of the EDG’s situation.


Review ImpaCT for EDG information known to the agency.  


Review all eligibility factors with the EDG or A-Rep.


Review the renewal application by:

  • going over each question, and 
  • resolving any unclear or missing information with the individual being interviewed.  


Information to Provide at the Interview

7 CFR § 273.2(e)(1) & 7 CFR § 273.7(c) & 7 CFR § 273.12(a)(5)(ii)


Provide the following information and materials to the EDG or A-Rep during the renewal interview:

  • Eligibility Determination Document (EDD)
  • How SNAP benefits can be used
  • Informational materials
  • Processing timeframes
  • Referrals to other services as needed
  • Reporting requirements. See Mandatory Reporting Requirements.
  • Self-addressed return envelope
  • TFA time limits do not apply to SNAP benefits
  • The EDG’s rights and responsibilities
  • W-1348, Proofs We Need form, listing the required verifications needed to determine eligibility and the due date to return the verifications.  

Note:  Have the individual applying sign the Eligibility Determination Document when completing an in-person interview.

  • Verification forms
  • Work registration materials, if applicable 


Advise the applicant required actions must be completed within 10 days of the interview. 


Provide voter registration services to all applicants and recipients of SNAP.  See Voter Registration Services.


Verifications

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(8)(i)-(iv) & 7 CFR § 273.12(c)(2) & 7 CFR § 273.14(b)(4)


EDGs must provide required verifications at renewal, including but not limited to:

Provide the EDG with a W-1348, and allow the EDG 10 days to provide the required verifications.


EDGs can provide verifications:

  • in-person,
  • by mail, or
  • by uploading verifications online through MyAccount.


See Suggested Verification Sources

See Verification Requirements by Element and Activity