Adding a New Household Member 430-05-67-20

(Revised 12/01/08 ML3164)

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When adding a new household member to an ongoing food stamp case, the individual is processed as a new applicant. The mandatory verifications apply to the new individual.  If the individual is not exempt from the work requirements, the individual is also required to complete SFN 385 - Affidavit for Food Stamp Work Requirements.  

 

If the individual being added has received food stamp benefits in another household, state, or through the Food Distribution Program, the individual cannot be added.

 

Exceptions:

1. Initial application proration does not apply to the individual being added to the household.
2. Drug felony and fleeing felon status is pursued at the next recertification completed after adding the new household member.

 

If the household does not provide the mandatory verifications needed to add the individual, Notice F419 – “Request for Verification” is sent, along with the SFN 385 if appropriate, allowing the household 10 days from the mailing date of the notice to provide the information needed.

 

If the household provides the mandatory verifications needed to add the individual within 10 days from the mail date and it results in an increase in benefits, the individual must be added to the household for the next benefit month. If because of when the change is reported, the 10 day timeframe extends into the next benefit month, a supplement must be issued.

 

If the household provides the mandatory verifications needed to add the individual and it results in a decrease in benefits, the worker must issue a 10 day advance notice unless the change was reported in writing and signed by the household. If the worker does not have 10 days for the 10 day advance notice, the individual is not added for the next benefit month, but must be added the month following the expiration of the 10 day advance notice.

 

If the household does not respond to the F419 within the 10 days from the mail date, the individual is not added until the six month report or at recertification, whichever occurs first.

 

Exception:

 

If the household reports their income exceeds the gross income limit for their household size with the addition of a new member and does not respond to the F419, the case must be closed for excess income.

 

If the household provides the verification at a later date, the change must be made to increase or decrease benefits the month after receipt of the verification.

 

The household is subject to the new gross income limit (GIL) once the individual has been added to the case.  The worker must send notice F741 or F742 whichever is appropriate in addition to the appropriate notice advising the household the individual has been added to the case.