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Federal Government

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on April 26, 2020.

We recommend that you monitor this site, as well as the sites referenced in these resources, for updates and changes as we expect the situation and solutions to change over the coming weeks and months. For information on specific programs, we encourage you to visit the websites of the organizations or government entities that are responsible for the relief.

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Description of Program and Relief

SNAP COVID-19 Response Waivers

This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes it easier to obtain nutritional assistance. The Act lifts certain requirements for low-income, unemployed individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits and provides emergency assistance to households participating in SNAP during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

During the declared health emergency, otherwise eligible individuals will qualify for SNAP benefits, even if they do not satisfy work or work training requirements of the program. State agencies may also request emergency aid for SNAP-eligible households, up to the maximum monthly allotment.

Government or Lead Agency

Department of Agriculture (“USDA”)

Dates Available

The SNAP eligibility requirements described above are waived beginning in April 2020, and continuing each subsequent month that a COVID-19 public health emergency remains in effect. States may request emergency SNAP assistance during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, certain low-income individuals are not eligible for SNAP benefits if, in the prior three years, they were recipients of SNAP benefits and did not meet requirements that they work or be enrolled in a work training program. These requirements are lifted during the COVID-19 emergency period, and allow individuals who would not otherwise meet these requirements to receive SNAP benefits. Other eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits, however, remain in effect.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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