Verification of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 may be accomplished simply by the use of a verification document/worksheet in most cases. When a student completes either the 2012-2013 or 2013-2014 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicates that someone in the household received SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps) in questions 75 or 96, as appropriate, a statement from the student and/or parent, as applicable, is generally sufficient documentation for verification purposes. Many schools will utilize a verification worksheet or document that allows for the individual to check affirmatively whether one of the persons included in the household size indicated on the FAFSA did, in fact, receive SNAP benefits for the applicable years included on the FAFSA. (FAME clients may choose to utilize the sample verification documents/worksheets accessible via FAME Connect.)
If a school has reason to question the validity or accuracy of the affirmation made regarding SNAP benefits, the school may request documentation to substantiate the claim that SNAP benefits were received. Such documentation, if requested, may include evidence from the agency that issued the SNAP benefits in the years referenced on the FAFSA. [Note: SNAP may be called by another name in some states. A school may call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for assistance in determining what SNAP is called in a particular state.]
