A household is not eligible for categorical eligibility if any member is disqualified for what reason?

Categorical eligibility allows certain households to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits without having to meet the usual income or resource criteria. However, this eligibility can be compromised if any household member has committed an intentional program violation. This includes actions such as fraud, misrepresentation, or other deliberate attempts to deceive the program.

When a member is disqualified due to their involvement in an intentional program violation, it means that the integrity of the household's eligibility is questioned, and the entire household can lose the benefits available through categorical eligibility. This underscores the serious consequences of such violations, which can extend beyond the individual to impact the entire household.

In contrast, outcomes such as failure to meet income criteria, not applying for benefits, or filing late do not directly relate to intentional wrongdoing or misconduct. Instead, these situations often reflect eligibility issues based on financial status or administrative processes rather than violations of program rules. Therefore, the reason for disqualification due to an intentional program violation serves as a crucial element in determining a household’s overall eligibility for categorical assistance.