OAR 461-135-0506: Transitional Benefit Alternative (TBA) in the SNAP Program

(1) This rule establishes the transitional benefit alternative (TBA). An individual participating in TBA continues to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits without reduction during the transition period. The transition period is five months. If the filing group (see OAR 461-110-0310 and 461-110-0370) separates into two groups during the TBA period, only the group containing the head of household continues in the TBA. (2) In the SNAP program, an individual who receives a cash grant from the Department in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI (SFPSS) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs may participate in TBA when the benefits are stopped, except as provided in section (4) of this rule. (3) The benefit level for the transition period is based on countable (see OAR 461-001-0000) income for SNAP during the last month before TBA begins, but the Title IV-A grant is not counted as income. Once it is established, the TBA benefit level is changed only when; (a) The filing group submits a new application in the SNAP program and will receive more SNAP benefits if they are not using the TBA reporting system; (b) A member of the filing group leaves and applies for SNAP benefits as a member of another household; or (c) The Department initiates a change identified in OAR 461-170-0200. (4) A household may not participate in TBA in each of the following situations: (a) A member of the filing group is receiving benefits of the TANF program. (b) The TANF benefits are stopped because the household does not reside in Oregon. (c) The TANF benefits are stopped because of a change that results in ineligibility for TANF and the household failed to complete a timely report or to complete a required action on time. (d) As of the date the TANF case closed, an individual in the household was serving a penalty imposed in the TANF program. (e) The TANF benefits are stopped at the request of the household after the household is informed of an impending disqualification in the TANF program. (f) The head of household becomes ineligible for the SNAP program because they live in an institution or in a facility that provides at least 50 percent of the meals. (g) A member of the financial group (see OAR 461-110-0530) is subject to a penalty in the SNAP program because of the individual's conduct, for instance, because the individual: (A) Was excluded from the need group under OAR 461-110-0630; (B) Was penalized for failure to meet a requirement of an employment program; (C) Was ineligible for SNAP benefits under OAR 461-105-0410; or (D) Was ineligible for or disqualified from participation in the SNAP program because of a failure to comply with a requirement of the program to provide complete and accurate information to the Department. (h) A member of the financial group becomes ineligible for the SNAP program because of the SNAP time limit imposed under OAR 461-135-0520. (5) Once the TBA benefits have ended, an individual's eligibility for the SNAP program is determined on the basis of a new application. (6) A filing group loses eligibility for TBA when no longer residing in Oregon under OAR 461-175-0210.