Arizona Simplified Nutrition Assistance Program (AZSNAP)
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The Arizona Simplified Nutrition Assistance Program (AZSNAP) simplifies the NA application and eligibility determination process for participants 65 and older who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Policy
The AZSNAP project is designed to strengthen access to NA benefits for persons that are 65 and older who receive SSI.
AZSNAP applicants are referred by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are required to meet all of the following:
●65 years old or older
●Arizona resident
●Does not live in an assisted living facility or group home
●Receives the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) amount (See SSI Maximum Benefit Amount)
●Does not receive NA
●Lives alone or buys and prepares food separately from others that are living in the household
NOTE A spouse(g) is a mandatory participant. When the participant lives with their spouse(g) they are not eligible for AZSNAP benefits, even when the spouse is also receiving SSI.
●Does not receive Tribal Food Distribution. (See Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) for additional information)
Participants who are not referred by SSA are not eligible to apply for the AZSNAP program.
A monthly interface between FAA and SSA identifies participants who meet the above criteria. FAA mails a notice, with the simplified application, giving the participant 30 calendar days(g) to respond. Instructions in the notice inform the participant where to return the completed AZSNAP application.
When no response to the notice is received by the 30th calendar day, FAA mails a second notice to the participant allowing an additional 30 calendar days to respond.
Participants are not eligible for AZSNAP benefits when they are disqualified for, and not limited to, any of the following reasons:
●They are a fleeing felon
●They have a disqualifying drug conviction
●They have an intentional program violation
For a full list of disqualification reasons and how to have a disqualification removed, see Disqualified Participants.
AZSNAP participants are not required to complete any of the following:
●An Interview
●Income verification
●Expense verification
●Mid Approval Contact (MAC)
●Report changes (The participant is encouraged to report change of address and increases in shelter expenses.)
NOTE AZSNAP participants are required to report a single lottery or gambling winning equal to or more than the winnings reporting amount. See Winnings Reporting Amount for the amount that is required to be reported.
AZSNAP participants are not eligible for any of the following:
●Expedited services
●Medical expense deductions
NOTE AZSNAP participants with at least $35.01 out-of-pocket allowable medical expenses are provided guidance explaining the possible benefit of opting out of AZSNAP and applying for NA as an Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) budgetary unit. (See Elderly Simplified Application Program (ESAP) for eligibility and additional benefits of ESAP)
AZSNAP Allotment Amounts
When eligible for AZSNAP NA benefits, participants receive one of four standard allotments based on the participant’s monthly combined shelter deduction. See AZSNAP Allotment Amounts for the monthly benefit amount.
Renewal of Benefits
Two months prior to the end of the 36-month approval period, a notice is sent.
Legal Authorities
7 CFR 247.2(a)
7 CFR 273.1(b)(2)
7 CFR 273.2(j)(2)(i)
7 CFR 273.10
7 CFR 274.3(c)(3)
7 CFR 281.2(c)(1)
Combined Application Project (CAP)
Waiver Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (AZSNAP), effective date October 1, 2019
last revised 09/05/2023