Table 1.
Existing Program Linkages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to Seven other Public Benefit Programs Discussed in Interviews.
| Linkage* | Description of Linkage | NSLP† | WIC‡ | Medicaid/CHIP§ | LIHEAPll | Lifeline | Federal Rental Assistance | Child Care Subsidies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunct Eligibility | Documentation of SNAP receipt confirms income-eligibility for the program. This is mandatory in states. | X | ||||||
| Categorical Eligibility | Proof of enrollment in SNAP allows the participant to forego the full program application. This is mandatory in states. | X | X | |||||
| Deemed Eligibility | SNAP receipt can be used to determine financial eligibility. This is a state option. | X | ||||||
| Direct Certification | Data is matched across administering agencies to automatically determine eligibility without additional information from the participant. This is mandatory in states. | X | ||||||
| Express Lane Eligibility | Similar to direct certification, children receiving SNAP can be determined eligible for the program. This is a state option to adopt that is not limited in duration or state need. | X | ||||||
| Qualifying Low-Income Consumer | Proof of enrollment in SNAP allows participants to forego the full program application. This is mandatory in states. | X | ||||||
| Safe Harbor Under Calculation of Income | Income determination from SNAP enrollment process can be used to calculate income at the time of program application. This is a state option to adopt. | X | ||||||
| Targeted Enrollment Strategy Waiver | SNAP receipt is used to determine financial eligibility for the program without the participant providing an additional application. This is a waiver states can apply for that is limited in duration and state need. | X | ||||||
| Targeted Enrollment State Plan Option | SNAP receipt is used to determine financial eligibility for the program without the participant providing an additional application. This is a state option to adopt that is not limited in duration or state need. | X |
*
Linkages summarized based on prior work by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Ambegaokar et al., 2017).
†
National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
‡
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
§
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
ll
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).