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Table of Contents

Informing Households1
Required Forms for Determining Eligibility2
Foreign Language Translations3
Electronic Applications & Scanning Paper Applications4
Use of Application for Other Purposes4
Determining Official’s Responsibilities5
Duration of Eligibility5
Effective Date of Eligibility Determinations5
Change in Household Circumstances7
Transferring Eligibility7
Eligibility Based on Prior Year’s Application8
Eligibility Based on Household Size & Income9
Foster Child / Institutionalized Child Applications16
Additional Guidelines for Application Approval17
Categorical Eligibility of Homeless & Runaway Students21
Categorical Eligibility of Migrant Students21
Categorical Eligibility of Food Assistance/TAF/FDPIR Recipients23
Independent Review of Applications24
Eligibility Based on Direct Certification25
Application Retrieval30
Application Retention30
Title File
Request to Use Electronic Transactions in the Child Nutrition Program Document

Guidance and Resources

Title File
2024-25 Child Nutrition Program Benefit Application Guidance Document
Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Child Nutrition Program Benefits Document


To keep up to date, regularly check the USDA Child Nutrition Programs' Web site for recently posted regulations, policy clarifications, prototype application materials, and other information. Most recent changes within each chapter are highlighted in yellow.  New guidance is also posted at SNP What's New or in Monthly Updates.