3230 Residents of Homeless Shelters

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
SNAP Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Residents of Homeless Shelters

Effective Date:

July 2024

Chapter:

3200

Policy Number:

3230

Previous Policy Number(s):

MT-76

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-78

Requirements

Individuals who lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence and whose primary nighttime residence is a homeless shelter may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Basic Considerations

Individuals are considered residents of a homeless shelter if the primary nighttime residence is one of the following:

  • A supervised shelter that provides temporary accommodations for homeless individuals,

  • A halfway house that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized.

Homeless individuals residing in a public or private nonprofit shelter should not be denied participation in SNAP on the grounds that they are residents of an institution. The number of meals provided by the shelter does not apply.

Homeless shelter residents must meet the same eligibility criteria and verification requirements as any other AU.

Refer to 3205 Assistance Units for additional policy regarding homeless individuals.

Procedures

Follow the steps below to determine eligibility for a homeless AU.

Step 1

Accept the application from the applicant/recipient (A/R) even if an address cannot be provided.

Step 2

Using the following guidelines, explore with the A/R who cannot provide an address the possibility of providing an alternate mailing address:

  • If a shelter is selected as the mailing address, obtain an agreement from the manager to accept the AU’s mail from the county until other arrangements can be made.

  • If necessary, authorize benefits to be mailed to the county department with the following stipulations:

  • Require the AU member who receives benefits at the county office to sign upon receipt of their EBT card and PIN.

  • Encourage the AU who receives benefits at the county office to find an alternate mailing address.

Step 3

Request verification of income, resources, and any basic eligibility criteria that must be verified.

Step 4

Allow the homeless AU the same deductions that apply to any other AU. Complete the eligibility determination.

Step 5

Based on the AU’s situation, assign a certification period, not to exceed twelve months.

Step 6

Refer the AU for any other appropriate services.