Md. Code Regs. 07.03.17.60

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 26, December 27, 2024

Section 07.03.17.60 - Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program

A. The Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNAP) is a 5-year demonstration project approved by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

B. Household Composition. The definition of a household eligible to participate in this project is an individual who the Social Security Administration has determined is eligible for SSI, and:

(1) Is 60 years old or older;

(2) Is not currently receiving Food Supplement Program benefits;

(3) Is living alone or if living with others is purchasing and preparing meals alone;

(4) Has no earned income; and

(5) Is a Maryland resident.

C. Application Process.

(1) The Department shall:

(a) Identify individuals eligible for the MSNAP through a match with Social Security Administration files that identify individuals who meet the MSNAP criteria, but who are not receiving Program benefits; and

(b) Send an application to households that meet the criteria as described in §B of this regulation.

(2) The local department shall process applications without an interview unless information is questionable as described in Regulation .20 G of this chapter, in which case a case manager shall complete a telephone interview.

(3) Benefits begin the first day of the month in which the local department receives the MSNAP application.

(4) An individual may not apply for MSNAP unless identified as described in §C(1)(a) of this regulation.

(5) The expedited service provisions of Regulation .19 of this chapter do not apply to applicants for MSNAP.

D. Certification Period. The local department shall certify the household for 36 months.

E. Verification.

(1) MSNAP income verification requirements will be fulfilled by using data verified under SSI regulations.

(2) Unless information is questionable as described in Regulation .20G, the local department may not verify shelter costs.

F. Allotment Amount.

(1) The allotment amount is one of two amounts based on the household's shelter cost, including the appropriate utility allowance, as described in Regulation .45G and H of this chapter.

(2) The allotment for a household with a shelter cost of $505 or less is $80.

(3) The allotment for a household with a shelter cost of $506 or greater is $125.

G. Reporting Changes. The local department:

(1) May not require an individual who receives MSNAP benefits to report changes during the certification period; and

(2) Shall take action on changes reported:

(a) Through a data match with Social Security Administration files; or

(b) By the household.

H. Opt Out Provision. MSNAP applicants may apply for the regular Food Supplement Program instead of the MSNAP.

Md. Code Regs. 07.03.17.60

Regulation .60 adopted effective November 15, 2010 (37:23 Md. R. 1609)