The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is title III of Pub. L. 94–135,
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(C), is Pub. L. 101–336,
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(D), is Pub. L. 88–352,
The Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450), referred to in subsec. (d), is title I of Pub. L. 93–638,
The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(15), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§ 1101 et seq.) of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of Title 8 and Tables.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(19), is Pub. L. 113–128,
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (s)(1)(A), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to part A (§ 601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, referred to in subsec. (u), is act June 4, 1946, ch. 281, 60 Stat. 230, which is classified generally to chapter 13 (§ 1751 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1751 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Child Nutrition Act of 1966, referred to in subsec. (u)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 89–642,
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
2022—Subsec. (o)(1). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5,” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act,”.
2018—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4022(5)(A), substituted “2012(s)(1)” for “2012(t)(1)”.
Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4013(a)(1), substituted “All records, and the entire information systems in which records are contained, that are covered” for “Records described” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4013(a)(2), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: “be available for inspection and audit at any reasonable time;”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4022(5)(B), substituted “2012(s)(1)” for “2012(t)(1)” wherever appearing and “2012(s)(2)” for “2012(t)(2)” in two places.
Subsec. (e)(17). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4022(5)(C)(i), substituted “2012(s)(1)” for “2012(t)(1)”.
Subsec. (e)(19). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4005(c)(1), inserted “the extent to which such programs will be carried out in coordination with the activities carried out under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.),” before “and the basis,”.
Subsec. (e)(23). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4022(5)(C)(ii), substituted “simplified supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “Simplified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (e)(26). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4009, added par. (26).
Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4010(1), substituted “simplified application” for “simple application” in heading.
Subsec. (t)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4010(2), substituted “implement supplemental nutrition assistance program simplified application and eligibility determination systems” for “implement—
“(A) simple supplemental nutrition assistance program application and eligibility determination systems; or
“(B) measures to improve access to supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits by eligible households”.
Subsec. (t)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4010(3)(A), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “establishing methods for applying for benefits and determining eligibility that—
“(i) more extensively use—
“(I) communications by telephone; and
“(II) electronic alternatives such as the Internet; or
“(ii) otherwise improve the administrative infrastructure used in processing applications and determining eligibility;”.
Subsec. (t)(2)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4010(3)(B), (C), redesignated subpar. (E) as (C) and struck out former subpars. (C) and (D) which read as follows:
“(C) developing procedures, training materials, and other resources aimed at reducing barriers to participation and reaching eligible households;
“(D) improving methods for informing and enrolling eligible households; or”.
Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4005(c)(2), added subsec. (w).
Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4011, added subsec. (x).
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4013(1), inserted “and after compliance with the requirement specified in paragraph (24)” after “section 2025(e) of this title”.
Subsec. (e)(24). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4013(2)–(4), added par. (24).
Subsec. (e)(25). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4014(a), added par. (25).
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4015, added subsec. (p) and struck out former subsec. (p). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in carrying out the supplemental nutrition assistance program, a State agency shall not be required to use an income and eligibility or an immigration status verification system established under section 1137 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–7).”
Subsec. (v). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4016(a), added subsec. (v).
2010—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–296 struck out subsec. (f) which related to nutrition education.
2008—Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program” wherever appearing in subsecs. (d), (e) (except par. (25)), (f), (g), (i), (j), (o) to (q), and (t).
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4116, added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: “The State agency of each participating State shall assume responsibility for the certification of applicant households and for the issuance of coupons and the control and accountability thereof. There shall be kept such records as may be necessary to ascertain whether the program is being conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter. Such records shall be available for inspection and audit at any reasonable time and shall be preserved for such period of time, not less than three years, as may be specified in the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter.”
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4117, added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: “In the certification of applicant households for the food stamp program, there shall be no discrimination by reason of race, sex, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(A), substituted “section 2012(t)(1)” for “section 2012(n)(1)” wherever appearing and “section 2012(t)(2)” for “section 2012(n)(2)” in two places.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(E), substituted “benefits” for “coupons” wherever appearing in pars. (2)(B)(vi), (8), (9), (11), (18), and (21).
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(A)(i), (ii), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamps” wherever appearing and “supplemental nutrition assistance program offices” for “food stamp offices” in two places.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4118, realigned margins and in subpar. (B) substituted “comply with regulations of the Secretary requiring the use of” for “use”.
Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(A)(iii), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program office” for “food stamp office”.
Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4119, inserted subpar. heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. heading, and added cls. (ii) and (iii).
Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(D), substituted “benefit” for “coupon”.
Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4120(1), in introductory provisions, substituted “safeguards which prohibit the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households” for “safeguards which limit the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households to persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, regulations issued pursuant to this chapter, Federal assistance programs, or federally assisted State programs”.
Subsec. (e)(8)(A) to (D). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4120(2), (3), added subpar. (A) and redesignated former subpars. (A) to (C) as (B) to (D), respectively. Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E).
Subsec. (e)(8)(E). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4120(2), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F).
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(B)(i), substituted “paragraph (15) or (18)(B)” for “paragraph (16) or (20)(B)”.
Subsec. (e)(8)(F). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4120(2), (4), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F) and inserted “or subsection (u)” before semicolon at end.
Subsec. (e)(15) to (17). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(B)(ii)–(iv), redesignated pars. (16) to (18) as (15) to (17), respectively, in par. (17), substituted “described in section 2012(t)(1) of this title” for “(described in section 2012(n)(1) of this title)”, and struck out former par. (15) which read as follows: “that the State agency shall require each household certified as eligible to participate by methods other than the out-of-office methods specified in the fourth sentence of paragraph (2) of this subsection in those project areas or parts of project areas in which the Secretary, in consultation with the Department’s Inspector General, finds that it would be useful to protect the program’s integrity and would be cost effective, to present a photographic identification card when using its authorization card in order to receive its coupons. The State agency may permit a member of a household to comply with this paragraph by presenting a photographic identification card used to receive assistance under a welfare or public assistance program;”.
Subsec. (e)(18) to (24). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(B)(ii), (iii), redesignated pars. (20) to (25) as (18) to (23), respectively, and struck out former par. (19) which read as follows: “that, in project areas or parts thereof where authorization cards are used, and eligible households are required to present photographic identification cards in order to receive their coupons, the State agency shall include, in any agreement or contract with a coupon issuer, a provision that (A) the issuer shall (i) require the presenter to furnish a photographic identification card at the time the authorization card is presented, and (ii) record on the authorization card the identification number shown on the photographic identification card; and (B) if the State agency determines that the authorization card has been stolen or otherwise was not received by a household certified as eligible, the issuer shall be liable to the State agency for the face value of any coupons issued in the transaction in which such card is used and the issuer fails to comply with the requirements of clause (A) of this paragraph;”. Former par. (18) redesignated (17).
Subsec. (e)(25). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(B)(iii), redesignated par. (25) as (23).
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(A)(iv), substituted “Simplified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” for “Simplified Food Stamp Program” in introductory provisions and “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits” in subpar. (A).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4111(b), added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to assignment of responsibility for nutrition education to the Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with the Food and Nutrition Service, and grants to eligible private nonprofit organizations and State agencies to direct a collaborative effort to coordinate and integrate nutrition education into other programs available to food stamp program participants and other low-income households.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7511(c)(5), which directed substitution of “National Institute of Food and Agriculture” for “Cooperative Extension Service”, could not be executed because “Cooperative Extension Service” did not appear subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 110–246, § 4111(b). See above and Effective Date of 2008 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(C), substituted “benefits” for “coupon or coupons”.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(B), substituted “may provide, on request by the State agency, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “may issue, upon request by the State agency, food stamps”.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(C), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program participation” for “food stamp participation”.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(E), substituted “both benefits and benefits or payments” for “both coupons and benefits or payments” and “both benefits and assistance provided in lieu of benefits” for “both coupons and assistance provided in lieu of coupons”.
Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(8)(F), substituted “subsection (e)(18)(B)” for “subsection (e)(20)(B)”.
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(D), substituted “benefits” for “food stamps” in heading.
Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(D), substituted “benefits” for “food stamps” in heading.
Subsec. (s)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4106, designated part of existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(E), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.
Subsec. (s)(2), (3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(E), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.
Subsec. (t)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4406(a)(2), substituted “Subject to the availability of appropriations under section 2027(a) of this title, for each fiscal year” for “For each of fiscal years 2003 through 2007”.
Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(6)(F), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program application” for “food stamp application” in subpar. (A) and “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits” in subpar. (B).
2004—Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 108–265 added subsec. (u).
2002—Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4114(a), designated existing provisions as subcl. (I) and added subcl. (II).
Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4115(a), added subsec. (s).
Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 107–171, § 4116(a), added subsec. (t).
1998—Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 105–379 added subsec. (r).
1997—Subsec. (e)(8)(E). Pub. L. 105–33, § 1003(a)(2), substituted “paragraph (16) or (20)(B)” for “paragraph (16)”.
Subsec. (e)(20). Pub. L. 105–33, § 1003(a)(1), added par. (20) and struck out former par. (20) which read as follows: “that the State agency shall establish a system and take action on a periodic basis to verify and otherwise assure that an individual does not receive coupons in more than one jurisdiction within the State;”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–33, § 1004, inserted subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted par. heading, and added par. (2).
Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 105–33, § 1003(b), added subsec. (q).
1996—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(A), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which required that each State plan of operation was to provide that each household which contacted food stamp office in person during office hours to make what could reasonably be interpreted as oral or written request for food stamp assistance was to receive and be permitted to file, on same day that such contact was first made, simplified, uniform national application form for participation in food stamp program.
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 104–193, §§ 809(b), 835(1)(B), substituted “shall” for “shall—” after “and that the State agency”, struck out “(A)” before “provide each applicant household” and struck out subpars. (B) to (E) and concluding provisions which provided that State agency was to assist each applicant household in obtaining appropriate verification and completing application process, not require any household to submit additional proof of matter on which State agency already had current verification, not deny any application for participation solely because of failure of person outside household to cooperate, process applications if household complied with requirements of first sentence of section 2015(c) of this title by taking appropriate steps to verify information otherwise required to be verified under this chapter, provide household, at time of each certification and recertification, with statement describing reporting responsibilities of household under this chapter, and provide toll-free or local telephone number, or telephone number at which collect calls would be accepted by State agency, at which household could reach appropriate representative of State agency.
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 104–193, § 836, substituted “(6) that—” for “(6) that”, realigned margins of subpars. (A) and (B), in subpar. (B) substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “United States Civil Service Commission”, and struck out subpars. (C) to (E) which read as follows: “(C) the State agency shall provide a continuing, comprehensive program of training for all personnel undertaking such certification so that eligible households are promptly and accurately certified to receive the allotments for which they are eligible under this chapter; (D) the State agency, at its option, may undertake intensive training to ensure that State agency personnel who undertake the certification of households that include a member who engages in farming are qualified to perform such certification; and (E) at its option, the State agency may provide, or contract for the provision of, training and assistance to persons working with volunteer or nonprofit organizations that provide program information activities or eligibility screening to persons potentially eligible for food stamps;”.
Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 104–193, §§ 837, 844(b), in introductory provisions, substituted “except that—” for “except that”, in subpar. (A), realigned margin, substituted “the safeguards” for “such safeguards” and semicolon for comma at end, in subpar. (B), realigned margin and substituted “chapter;” for “chapter, and”, in subpar. (C), realigned margin, substituted “the safeguards” for “such safeguards”, struck out “and excluding claims arising from an error of the State agency, that has not been recovered pursuant to such section” before “, from Federal pay”, and inserted before semicolon at end “or a Federal income tax refund as authorized by section 3720A of title 31”, and added subpars. (D) and (E).
Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 104–193, § 838, in subpar. (A), substituted “7 days” for “five days”, redesignated subpar. (C) as (B), substituted “7 days” for “five days”, and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “provide coupons no later than five days after the date of application to any household in which all members are homeless individuals and that meets the income and resource criteria for coupons under this chapter;”, and redesignated subpar. (D) as (C) and substituted “or (B)” for “, (B), or (C)”.
Subsec. (e)(10). Pub. L. 104–193, § 839, inserted before semicolon at end a period and “At the option of a State, at any time prior to a fair hearing determination under this paragraph, a household may withdraw, orally or in writing, a request by the household for the fair hearing. If the withdrawal request is an oral request, the State agency shall provide a written notice to the household confirming the withdrawal request and providing the household with an opportunity to request a hearing”.
Subsec. (e)(14). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(C), (D)(i), redesignated par. (15) as (14) and struck out former par. (14) which read as follows: “that the State agency shall prominently display in all food stamp and public assistance offices posters prepared or obtained by the Secretary describing the information contained in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of this paragraph and shall make available in such offices for home use pamphlets prepared or obtained by the Secretary listing (A) foods that contain substantial amounts of recommended daily allowances of vitamins, minerals, and protein for children and adults; (B) menus that combine such foods into meals; (C) details on eligibility for other programs administered by the Secretary that provide nutrition benefits; and (D) general information on the relationship between health and diet;”.
Subsec. (e)(15) to (17). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(D)(i), redesignated pars. (16) to (18) as (15) to (17), respectively. Former par. (15) redesignated (14).
Subsec. (e)(18). Pub. L. 104–193, § 840, substituted “at the option of the State agency, that information may be” for “that information is” and “may be requested” for “shall be requested”.
Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(D)(i), redesignated par. (19) as (18). Former par. (18) redesignated (17).
Subsec. (e)(19) to (22). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(D)(i), redesignated pars. (20) to (23) as (19) to (22), respectively. Former par. (19) redesignated (18).
Subsec. (e)(23). Pub. L. 104–193, §§ 819(b)(1), 835(1)(D)(i), redesignated par. (24) as (23) and struck out “and” at end. Former par. (23) redesignated (22).
Subsec. (e)(24). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(D)(ii), redesignated par. (26) as (24). Former par. (24) redesignated (23).
Subsec. (e)(25). Pub. L. 104–193, § 854(b), added par. (25).
Pub. L. 104–193, §§ 819(b)(2), 835(1)(C), substituted semicolon for concluding period and struck out par. (25) which read as follows: “a procedure for designating project areas or parts of project areas that are rural and in which low-income persons face substantial difficulties in obtaining transportation. The State agency shall designate the areas according to procedures approved by the Secretary. In each area so designated, the State agency shall provide for the issuance of coupons by mail to all eligible households in the area, except that any household with mail losses exceeding levels established by the Secretary shall not be entitled to such a mailing and the State agency shall not be required to issue coupons by mail in those localities within such area where the mail loss rates exceed standards set by the Secretary.”
Subsec. (e)(26). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(1)(D)(ii), redesignated par. (26) as (24).
Pub. L. 104–193, § 819(b)(3), added par. (26).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–193, § 848(b)(1), in first sentence, struck out “the Secretary’s standards for the efficient and effective administration of the program established under section 2025(b)(1) of this title or” before “the requirements established pursuant to section 2032”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(2)(A), inserted subsec. heading.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(2)(A), designated portion of existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and substituted “Notwithstanding any other provision of law,” for “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop a system by which (1) a single interview shall be conducted to determine eligibility for the food stamp program and the aid to families with dependent children program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; (2)”.
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 835(2)(B), substituted a period, par. (2) designation, heading, and “Except in a case of disqualification as a penalty for failure to comply with a public assistance program rule or regulation, no” for “; (3) households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or State or local general assistance grant in a State that has a single State-wide general assistance application form shall have their application for participation in the food stamp program contained in the public assistance or general assistance application form, and households applying for a local general assistance grant in a local jurisdiction in which the agency administering the general assistance program also administers the food stamp program shall be provided an application for participation in the food stamp program at the time of their application for general assistance, along with information concerning how to apply for the food stamp program; and (4) new applicants, as well as households which have recently lost or been denied eligibility for public assistance or general assistance, shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program based on information in the public assistance or general assistance case file to the extent that reasonably verified information is available in such case file. In addition to implementing paragraphs (1) through (4), the State agency shall inform applicants for benefits under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that such applicants may file, along with their application for such benefits, an application for benefits under this chapter, and that if such applicants file, they shall have a single interview for food stamps and for benefits under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. No”.
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 104–193, § 840(2), added subsec. (p).
1995—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 104–66 struck out “, and shall, upon completion of the audit, provide a report to Congress of its findings and recommendations within one hundred and eighty days” after “within that State” in first sentence.
1994—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–296, § 108(f)(3), inserted “, the Commissioner of Social Security” after “the Secretary” in first sentence.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–296, § 108(f)(2), substituted “Commissioner of Social Security” for “Secretary of Health and Human Services” wherever appearing.
1993—Subsec. (e)(8)(C). Pub. L. 103–66 added cl. (C).
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(6), redesignated subsec. (p) as (b) and transferred it to follow subsec. (a).
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(5)(A), substituted a semicolon for period at end.
Subsec. (e)(3)(D). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(5)(B)(i), substituted “section 2015 of this title)” for “section 2015 of this title”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(E). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(5)(B)(ii), made technical amendment to clarify alignment of margin of concluding provisions.
Subsec. (e)(15). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(5)(C), substituted a semicolon for period at end.
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(6), redesignated subsec. (p) as (b) and transferred it to follow subsec. (a).
1990—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1736(1), substituted “on or near its front cover) explanations” for “instructions” in third sentence.
Pub. L. 101–624, § 1736(2), substituted “The State agency shall require that an adult representative of each household that is applying for food stamp benefits shall certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the information contained in the application is true and that all members of the household are either citizens or are aliens eligible to receive food stamps under section 2015(f) of this title. The signature of the adult under this section shall be deemed sufficient to comply with any provision of Federal law requiring household members to sign the application or statements in connection with the application process.” for “One adult member of a household that is applying for a coupon allotment shall be required to certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, the truth of the information contained in the application for the allotment.”
Subsec. (e)(3)(E). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1737, inserted before semicolon at end a period followed by “Under rules prescribed by the Secretary, a State agency shall develop standard estimates of the shelter expenses that may reasonably be expected to be incurred by households in which all members are homeless but that are not receiving free shelter throughout the month. The Secretary may issue regulations to preclude the use of the estimates for households with extremely low shelter costs for whom the following sentence shall not apply. A State agency shall use the estimates in determining the allotments of the households, unless a household verifies higher expenses”.
Subsec. (e)(21). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(1), struck out “and” after “within the State;”.
Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(2), substituted semicolon for period at end.
Subsec. (e)(25). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1738(3)–(5), added par. (25).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1739, inserted first sentence and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: “To encourage the purchase of nutritious foods, the Secretary is authorized to extend food and nutrition education to reach food stamp program participants, using the methods and techniques developed in the expanded food and nutrition education and other programs.”
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1763(b), inserted “or the requirements established pursuant to section 2032 of this title” after “section 2025(b)(1) of this title” in first sentence.
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1740, inserted “in a State that has a single State-wide general assistance application form” after “grant” and inserted before semicolon at end “, and households applying for a local general assistance grant in a local jurisdiction in which the agency administering the general assistance program also administers the food stamp program shall be provided an application for participation in the food stamp program at the time of their application for general assistance, along with information concerning how to apply for the food stamp program”.
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1741, inserted “supplemental security income or” after “recipient of”.
1988—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–435, § 204(a), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “not conduct food stamp outreach activities with funds provided under this chapter except, at the option of the State agency, food stamp informational activities directed at homeless individuals; and”.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–435, § 310, inserted provisions relating to brief, simply-written, and readable application forms.
Pub. L. 100–435, § 330, substituted “The State agency shall waive in-office interviews, on a household’s request, if a household is unable to appoint an authorized representative pursuant to paragraph (7) and has no adult household members able to come to the appropriate State agency office because such members are elderly, are mentally or physically handicapped, live in a location not served by a certification office, or have transportation difficulties or similar hardships as determined by the State agency (including hardships due to residing in a rural area, illness, care of a household member, prolonged severe weather, or work or training hours). If an in-office interview is waived, the State agency may conduct a telephone interview or a home visit. The State agency shall provide for telephone contact by, mail delivery of forms to, and mail return of forms by, households that have transportation difficulties or similar hardships.” for “The State agency shall comply with the standards established by the Secretary for telephone contact by, mail delivery of forms to and mail return of forms by, and subsequent home or telephone interview with, the elderly, physically or mentally handicapped, and persons otherwise unable, solely because of transportation difficulties and similar hardships, to appear in person at a certification office or through a representative pursuant to paragraph (7) of this subsection, so that such persons may have an adequate opportunity to be certified properly;”.
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 100–435, § 323, inserted provisions at end relating to dissemination of statements describing reporting responsibilities and telephone number to call State agency.
Pub. L. 100–435, § 311, inserted cls. (A) to (E).
Subsec. (e)(6)(C). Pub. L. 100–435, § 322(a), substituted “shall provide” for “shall undertake to provide” and inserted “so that eligible households are promptly and accurately certified to receive the allotments for which they are eligible under this chapter” after “such certification”.
Subsec. (e)(6)(D). Pub. L. 100–435, § 321(a), added cl. (D).
Subsec. (e)(6)(E). Pub. L. 100–435, § 322(b), added cl. (E).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–435, § 352, amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: “Each State agency shall implement clauses (1) and (2) and may implement clause (3) or (4), or both such clauses.”
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 100–435, § 320, added subsec. (p).
1987—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–77, § 808(a), inserted “except, at the option of the State agency, food stamp informational activities directed at homeless individuals” after “this chapter”.
Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 100–77, § 809(a), added subpars. (B) and (C), redesignated former subpar. (B) as (D), and directed the substitution of “a household referred to in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)” for “the household” which was executed by making the substitution for the first reference to “the household” as the probable intent of Congress.
1985—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1529, inserted provision directing the State agency to provide a method of certifying and issuing coupons to eligible households that do not reside in permanent dwellings or who do not have fixed mailing addresses and to take such steps as are necessary to ensure that participation in the food stamp program is limited to eligible households.
Pub. L. 99–198, § 1525, inserted requirement that one adult member of a household that is applying for a coupon allotment certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, the truth of the information contained in the application for the allotment.
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1527, struck out “only” after “verification”, inserted “, household size (in any case such size is questionable,”, and substituted “such other eligibility factors as the State agency determines are necessary” for “any factors of eligibility involving households that fall within the State agency’s error-prone household profiles as developed by the State agency from the error rate reduction system conducted under section 2025 of this title and as approved by the Secretary”.
Subsec. (e)(16). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1528, substituted “fourth sentence” for “last sentence”, inserted “and would be cost effective” after “integrity”, and inserted provision authorizing the State agency to permit a member of a household to comply with this paragraph by presenting a photographic identification card used to receive assistance under a welfare or public assistance program.
Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1517(b), added par. (22).
Subsec. (e)(23). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1526, added par. (23).
Subsec. (e)(24). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1535(b)(1), added par. (24).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1530, inserted provisions directing State agencies to encourage food stamp program participants to participate in the expanded food and nutrition education program conducted under section 343(d) of this title and any program established under sections 3175a through 3175e of this title and, at the request of personnel of such education program, allow personnel and information materials of such education program to be placed in food stamp offices.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1537(c), inserted “the State plan for automated data processing submitted pursuant to subsection (o)(2) of this section,” and substituted “sections 2025(a), 2025(c), and 2025(g) of this title” for “sections 2025(a) and 2025(c) of this title”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1531(a), in cl. (2) of first sentence, inserted “applicants for or” after “members are” and substituted “informed of the availability of benefits under the food stamp program and be assisted in making a simple application to participate in such program” for “permitted to apply for participation in the food stamp program by executing a simple application”, effective
Pub. L. 99–198, § 1507(b), inserted sentence directing that no household shall have its application to participate in the food stamp program denied nor its benefits under the food stamp program terminated solely on the basis that its application to participate has been denied or its benefits have been terminated under any of the programs carried out under the statutes specified in the second sentence of section 2014(a) of this title and without a separate determination by the State agency that the household fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements for participation in the food stamp program.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1531(b), amended subsec. (j) generally, effective
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1537(b), added subsec. (o).
1984—Subsec. (e)(19). Pub. L. 98–369 amended par. (19) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (19) read as follows: “that—
“(A) in any case in which information is available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under section 303(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(d)), the information shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent permitted under such section; or
“(B) in any case in which information is not available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under section 303(d) of the Social Security Act—
“(i) information available from the Social Security Administration under section 6103(l)(7) of title 26 shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent permitted under such section; or
“(ii) similar information available from other sources shall be requested and utilized by the State agency to the extent approved by the Secretary and permitted by any law controlling access to the information;”.
1983—Subsec. (e)(19). Pub. L. 98–204 amended par. (19) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (19) read as follows: “that information available from the Social Security Administration under the provisions of section 6103(i)(7) of title 26, and information available from agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws under the provisions of section 303(d) of the Social Security Act, shall be requested and utilized by the State agency (described in section 2012(n)(1) of this title), to the extent permitted under the provisions of such sections, except that the State agency shall not be required to request such information from the Social Security Administration if such information is available from the agency administering the State unemployment compensation laws;”.
1982—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–253, § 166, inserted provision that the Secretary may not, as a part of the approval process for a plan of operation, require a State to submit for prior approval by the Secretary the State agency instructions to staff, interpretations of existing policy, State agency methods of administration, forms used by the State agency, or any materials, documents, memoranda, bulletins, or other matter, unless the State determines that the materials, documents, memoranda, bulletins, or other matter alter or amend the State plan of operation or conflict with the rights and levels of benefits to which a household is entitled.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 97–253, § 167(a), struck out “points and hours of certification, and for” after “Secretary for” in last sentence.
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 97–253, § 180(b)(1), substituted “section 2025(e) of this title” for “subsections (h) and (i) of section 2025 of this title” and “error rate reduction system” for “quality control program”, respectively.
Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 97–253, § 168, substituted “an” for “any” wherever appearing and inserted provision that the Secretary may restrict the number of households which may be represented by an individual and otherwise establish criteria and verification standards for representation under this paragraph.
Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 97–253, § 169, substituted “, regulations issued pursuant to this chapter, Federal assistance programs, or federally assisted State programs” for “or the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter”.
Subsec. (e)(9). Pub. L. 97–253, § 170, added par. (9). Former par. (9), which required that the State plan of operation provide that households in immediate need because of no income as defined in section 2014(d) and (e) of this title would receive coupons on an expedited basis, was struck out.
Subsec. (e)(10). Pub. L. 97–253, § 171, inserted provision that in any case in which the State agency receives from the household a written statement containing information that clearly requires a reduction or termination of the household’s benefits, the State agency may act immediately to reduce or terminate the household’s benefits and may provide notice of its action to the household as late as the date on which the action becomes effective.
Subsec. (e)(13). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 167(b), 190(c)(1), redesignated par. (14) as (13) and struck out former par. (13) which provided that the State plan of operation provide for compliance with standards set by the Secretary with respect to points and hours of coupon issuance.
Subsec. (e)(14) to (21). Pub. L. 97–253, § 190(c)(1), redesignated pars. (14) to (22) as (13) to (21), respectively.
Subsec. (e)(22). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 172, 190(c)(1), added par. (22) and redesignated it as par. (21).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–253, §§ 173, 189(b)(2)(A), inserted provision requiring each State agency to implement pars. (1) and (2), and permitting each such agency to implement either par. (3) or (4), or both, and substituted reference to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for former reference to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–253, § 189(b)(2)(B), substituted reference to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for former reference to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 97–253, § 174, added subsec. (n).
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1316, struck out subsec. (b) which provided that certification of a household as eligible in any political subdivision, in the event of removal of such household to another political subdivision in which the food stamp program is operating, remains valid for participation in the food stamp program for a period of sixty days from the date of such removal.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 97–35 added cl. (A) and redesignated cl. (C) as (B). Former cls. (A) and (B), relating to informing low-income households about the program, and conducting other outreach activities, respectively, were struck out.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1317, inserted provision that the application contain in understandable terms and in prominent and boldface lettering a statement that the information provided by the applicant is subject to verification and if incorrect the applicant may be subject to denial of food stamps and criminal prosecution.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1318, substituted “prior to” for “immediately prior to or at” and “advising the household” for “advising it”.
Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1319, inserted provision that such safeguards not prevent the use or disclosure of such information to the Comptroller General of the United States for audit and examination authorized by any other provision of law and that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, all information obtained under this chapter from an applicant household be available to local, State, or Federal law enforcement officials for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of this chapter or any regulation issued under this chapter.
Subsec. (e)(11). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1320(a), inserted provision that allotments not be restored for any period of time more than one year prior to the date the State agency receives a request for such restoration from a household or the State agency is notified or otherwise discovers that a loss to a household has occurred.
Subsec. (e)(20), (21). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1321, added pars. (20) and (21).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1322, substituted “is authorized to extend food and nutrition education to reach food stamp participants, using methods and techniques developed in the expanded food and nutrition education and other programs” for “shall extend the expanded food and nutrition education program to the greatest extent possible to reach food stamp program participants” and struck out provision that the program be supplemented by the development of single concept printed materials, specifically designed for persons with low reading and comprehension levels, on how to buy and prepare more nutritious and economical meals and on the relationship between food and good health.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 97–98, § 1323, added subsec. (m).
1980—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 96–249, § 116, inserted “(in part through the use of the information, if any, obtained under subsections (h) and (i) of section 2025 of this title)” after “section 2014(d) of this title” and “although the State agency may verify prior to certification, whether questionable or not, the size of any applicant household and any factors of eligibility involving households that fall within the State agency’s error-prone household profiles as developed by the State agency from the quality control program conducted under section 2025 of this title and as approved by the Secretary” after “sections 2014 and 2015 of this title,”.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 96–249, § 113, inserted proviso that the timeliness standards for submitting the notice of expiration and filing an application for recertification may be modified by the Secretary in light of sections 2014(f)(2) and 2015(c) of this title if administratively necessary.
Subsec. (e)(17) to (19). Pub. L. 96–249, §§ 117–119, added pars. (17) to (19).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 96–249, § 120, inserted “, upon information received by the Secretary, investigation initiated by the Secretary, or investigation that the Secretary shall initiate upon receiving sufficient information evidencing a pattern of lack of compliance by a State agency of a type specified in this subsection,” after “the Secretary determines”, “without good cause” after “to comply”, “or the Secretary’s standards for the efficient and effective administration of the program established under section 2025(b)(1) of this title” after “subsection (d) of this section,”, and “, and whether or not the Secretary refers such matter to the Attorney General, the Secretary shall proceed to withhold from the State such funds authorized under sections 2025(a) and (c) of this title as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, subject to administrative and judicial review under section 2023 of this title” after “relief shall issue”.
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 96–249, § 122, substituted “simple application” for “simplified affidavit”.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 96–249, § 123, added subsec. (l).
1977—Pub. L. 95–113 substituted revised provisions relating to the administration of the program for provisions relating to the disqualification of retail stores and wholesale concerns which are now covered by section 2021 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–296 effective
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective
Amendment by sections 4001(b), 4002(a)(6), 4106, 4111(b), 4115(b)(8), 4116–4120, and 4406(a)(2) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective
Amendment by section 7511(c)(5) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–265 effective
Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4114(b),
Amendment by sections 4115(a) and 4116(a) of Pub. L. 107–171 effective
Pub. L. 105–379, § 1(c),
Pub. L. 105–33, title I, § 1003(a)(3), “(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [“(B) The Secretary of Agriculture may grant a State an extension of time to comply with the amendments made by this subsection, not to exceed beyond the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the chief executive officer of the State submits a request for the extension to the Secretary—“(i) stating the reasons why the State is not able to comply with the amendments made by this subsection by the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act;“(ii) providing evidence that the State is making a good faith effort to comply with the amendments made by this subsection as soon as practicable; and“(iii) detailing a plan to bring the State into compliance with the amendments made by this subsection as soon as practicable but not later than the date of the requested extension.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–296 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective, and to be implemented beginning on,
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–237 effective and to be implemented no later than
Amendment by sections 1736(1), 1737, 1738, 1740, and 1741 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective and implemented first day of month beginning 120 days after publication of implementing regulations to be promulgated not later than
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–435 to be effective and implemented on
Pub. L. 100–77, title VIII, § 809(b),
Pub. L. 99–198, title XV, § 1531(a), (b),
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective
Amendments by sections 166 to 174, 189(b)(2), and 190(c)(1) of Pub. L. 97–253 effective
Amendment by section 180(b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–253 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective on earlier of
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective on earlier of
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective upon such date as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective and implemented upon such dates as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 117 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.
Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301,
Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, § 4016(b), “(1) Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [“(2) The rule shall—“(A) identify federally required data exchanges;“(B) include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized;“(C) address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges;“(D) specify State implementation options; and“(E) describe future milestones.”
Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations necessary to implement amendment of this section by Pub. L. 105–33, not later than one year after
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.
Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VI, § 605,
Pub. L. 105–379, § 1(b), “(1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;“(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;“(3) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives;“(4) the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and“(5) the Secretary of the Treasury.”
Pub. L. 101–624, title XVII, § 1742,
Ex. Ord. No. 12116,
By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by Section 11(k) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 [now the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008] (91 Stat. 974; 7 U.S.C. 2020(k)), the United States Postal Service is hereby granted approval for post offices in all or part of any State to issue food stamps to eligible households, upon request by the appropriate State agency, as defined in Section 3(n) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (91 Stat. 960; 7 U.S.C. 2012(n)).