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The length of Food Stamp certification periods is based on household circumstances as noted under the headings below:
1 Month
• Imminent changes are expected.
• One or more individuals are subject to lockout or are on strike.
Up to 4 Months
• Expenses exceed household income.
• Households containing a potential wage earner.
• Households indicating the clear potential for fluctuating circumstances.
• ABAWD households who are receiving Food Stamp benefits for the first time.
Up to 6 Months
• Households receiving food stamps only*.
• Receiving unemployment compensation benefits.
• Receiving earned income.
• Jointly receiving FS and adult category financial or medical assistance, including QMB, SLMB, SLMB135, or QDWI.
• Jointly receiving FANF or FANF-related MA, including In and Out, and FS.
• Little likelihood of changes in income and household circumstances.
• Households containing one or more ABAWD members only when the initial 4-month certification period indicates a longer certification period is warranted.
• Provided information which resulted in incorrect benefits.
• Granted separate household status because an individual with parental control of a minor child lives with a parent or sibling.
• Self-employed households with one or more individuals with unstable circumstances.
• Initial four-month certification period indicates a longer certification period is warranted.
Up to12 Months
• Very stable income and all individuals are unemployable.
• Very stable income and all individuals are elderly.
• Very stable circumstances and the only source of income is from self-employment.