604-6          MASS CHANGES

Mass changes are changes initiated by a state or federal government agency which affect all or a significant part of the SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program caseload.  SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program mass changes include, but are not limited to, adjustments to the income eligibility standards, shelter and dependent care deductions, maximum SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allotments, and the standard deduction.  Another mass change that may affect SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cases is cost-of-living adjustments to social security benefits.

SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Policy staff have prior knowledge of mass changes and are responsible for ensuring that appropriate adjustments are made.

Fair hearings can be requested on mass changes, provided the issue is that eligibility or allotment was improperly computed.