Staying on SNAP

Once you have been approved for SNAP there are some things you need to do to stay on SNAP.  Your SNAP case was granted for a limited amount of time, which we call a certification period.  Most people are certified for either 12 or 24 months. You must complete an Interim Reporting Form (IRF) halfway through your certification period if you want to continue benefits. Two months before your certification period expires, you will be sent a letter that it is time to recertify. You will need to complete a recertification if you want to continue to receive SNAP benefits.

Interim Reporting Form (IRF)

An IRF is sent to the household at the four-month or ten-month mark, depending on whether your certification period is for 12 months or 24 months. The IRF comes with a return envelope provided or you can drop off at your county board of social services. You can view a sample IRF form here.

Required reportable IRF changes:

  • A change of gross unearned income of more than $100.00.
  • A change in gross earned income of more than $100.00.
  • A change in residence and the resulting change in shelter cost.
  • A change in the members of your SNAP household.
  • A change in child support payments of more than $50.
  • Lottery or gambling winnings of $3,750 or more.

Recertification

Households must complete the recertification process at the end of the certification period in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. 

You will receive a Notice of Expiration letter in the mail from your county board of social services with a scheduled interview appointment. After the interview, you will receive a packet of information including a recertification application and list of documents you will need to submit. You must return the information to your county board of social services by the date provided on the letter in the packet. You can contact your county board of social series if you need help completing your recertification.

Reporting a Change Outside of IRF/Recertification Period

If your household experiences certain changes during your SNAP eligibility period, you are may be required to report these changes within 10 days of the date the change becomes known to the household. Your county board of social services will let you know what you need to report and when.

Changes you may need to report include:

  • New employment within 10 days of the date that they receive their first pay
  • Changes in the source or amount of unearned income of $100.00 or more.
  • Changes in the amount of earned income of more than $100.00.
  • Changes in household composition.
  • Changes in residence and the resulting change in shelter costs.
  • Changes in the amount of legally obligated child support received.

To report any of these changes, contact your county board of social services.

Work Requirements

SNAP participants between the ages of 16 and 60 who are not specifically exempted by law are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. As a SNAP participant, you must meet the following general work requirements:

  • Register for work;
  • Participate in a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program to the extent required (30 hours a week or average of 120 hours a month);
  • Participate in workfare (a type of volunteer work), if assigned;
  • Accept suitable employment, if offered;
  • Do not voluntarily quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work effort to less than 30 hours per week.