1. (1) Basic Categorical Eligibility. Except as otherwise provided herein, households consisting entirely of SSI and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients are categorically eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), regardless of whether the requirements in chapters 1240-01-03 and/or 1240-01-04 are met. “Recipients” include the following individuals:

   1. (a) Persons who receive or are authorized to receive TANF cash assistance or SSI benefits;
   2. (b) Persons whose TANF grant or SSI payment is being recouped or has been suspended temporarily (i.e., the TANF grant is suspended for one month in the retrospective cycle because of extra income in a given month);
   3. (c) Persons approved for TANF, but who do not receive a payment because they are eligible for a grant of less than $10.00; and
   4. (d) Persons receiving Medicaid only are not considered recipients for this purpose.

2. (2) Expanded Categorical Eligibility. Except as otherwise provided herein, households containing a member who receives or is authorized to receive non-cash or in-kind TANF services are categorically eligible for SNAP, regardless of whether the requirements in chapters 1240-01- 03 and/or 1240-01-04 are met.

   1. (a) Households under expanded categorical eligibility must have a gross monthly income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty level and a net monthly income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level.
   2. (b) Households under expanded categorical eligibility shall have their eligibility verified in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j).

3. (3) Exceptions to basic and expanded categorical eligibility.

   1. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraphs (1) and (2), a household is not categorically eligible, and is subject to all SNAP eligibility requirements if:

      1. 1. Any member is disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation;
      2. 2. The head of the household is disqualified for failure to comply with SNAP work requirements; or
      3. 3. Any member of the household is ineligible under 7 C.F.R. § 273.11 by virtue of a conviction for a drug-related felony, for being a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator, or for having a conviction of certain crimes and not being in compliance with the sentence.

   2. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of these rules, the following individuals cannot be included as eligible members of an otherwise categorically eligible household:

      1. 1. Ineligible aliens;
      2. 2. Students who are ineligible under the student provisions;
      3. 3. Institutionalized individuals [except those listed in rule 1240-01-02-.02(4)(b)]; or
      4. 4. Ineligible because of failure to comply with a SNAP work requirement.

4. (4) Standard Eligibility. Households that do not meet the criteria for basic or expanded categorical eligibility shall have eligibility determined as set forth elsewhere in division 1240-

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5. (5) Any household certified to receive benefits shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon receipt by any individual in the household of substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as defined in 7 C.F.R. § 273.11(r)(2). The household shall remain ineligible until they meet the allowable resource and income requirements for standard eligibility.

Authority: T.C.A. § 71-5-304; 7 U.S.C. § 2014; and 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.2(j) and 273.11(r). Administrative History: Original rule filed November 28, 1986; effective February 28, 1987. Amendments filed January 15, 2026; effective April 15, 2026.