7 CFR § 271.2 & 7 CFR § 273.1(b)(7)(vi)(D) & 7 CFR § 273.11(g)(1)


Shelters for battered individuals are exempt from institution rules.


Shelters for battered individuals are public or private nonprofit residential facilities providing temporary housing for battered individuals. A portion of the shelter must be set aside on a long-term basis to serve only battered individuals if the shelter serves other individuals. 


Determine if the shelter meets the definition above and is known to the agency. Shelters authorized by FNS to redeem benefits as a wholesaler are also an eligible facility. No further determination is needed.

Note: Enter case notes regarding the determination of the shelter’s eligibility.


Submit pertinent information to the SNAP Public Assistance Consultant assigned to your field office for a determination of eligibility if the shelter’s eligible status is unknown.


Applying for SNAP

7 CFR § 273.2(c)(1) & 7 CFR § 273.11(g)(2) and (3)


Shelter residents and their children may apply for benefits as a separate EDG from others living in the shelter for battered individuals.


EDGs in shelters for battered individuals may pick an A-Rep to act on behalf of the EDG to access benefits for the EDG’s use.


Processing

7 CFR § 273.2(i)(3)(i) and (v) & 7 CFR § 273.11(g)(5)


Ensure the abuser’s EDG eligibility and benefit reflect the change in EDG composition due to the shelter EDG’s departure. Provide the appropriate notice of the change. See Change Processing.


Shelter resident EDGs are eligible for the same service and processing standards, and must meet the same eligibility requirements as other EDGs, with the following exceptions:


Deductions

7 CFR § 273.11(g)(3)


Allow only the deductions of the battered individual and their children.


Duplicate Benefits

7 CFR § 273.11(g)(2)


Duplicate benefits may be issued the first month the EDG moved into the shelter if the EDG was part of a SNAP EDG that included the abuser. 


Income

7 CFR § 273.11(g)(3)


Count only the income of the battered individual and their children.


Assets

7 CFR § 273.8(d) & 7 CFR § 273.11(g)(3)


Count only the assets of the battered individual and their children. 


Exclude jointly-owned assets as inaccessible. See Excluded Jointly Owned Assets. 


Use of Benefits

7 CFR § 271.2 & 7 CFR § 273.1(b)(7)(vi)(D)


Residents of shelters for battered individuals may use their SNAP benefits to:

  • purchase and prepare their own food, or
  • purchase meals prepared and served at the shelter.


Last Update

Source # 

Effective Date: