What eligibility requirement do Categorically Eligible FNS households not need to comply with?

Categorically Eligible FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) households are groups that qualify for benefits based on their participation in another assistance program, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These households are not subject to certain eligibility requirements to simplify the process and ensure that those who already qualify for other aid can easily obtain food assistance.

In this context, households classified as categorically eligible do not need to comply with gross or net income limits because they already meet criteria established in another program. This streamlining is designed to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate access to critical nutrition resources for individuals in need.

Identity verification remains crucial to ensure that the benefits are provided to the correct individuals, as it helps prevent fraud and misuse of the program. Resources, such as bank accounts and other assets, are typically evaluated in determining eligibility, making them essential to the overall assessment. However, the legislation allows those categorized under this type of eligibility to bypass the requirements related to income, which is why identity is not viewed as a threshold for participation in the same way.