Do all programs funded under Title IV-A confer categorical eligibility?
A. States must decide which programs provide benefits to needy families. Some programs do not entail a means test, such as programs aimed at reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies or forming two-parent families. Because these programs do not appear to meet the intent of categorical eligibility in the Food Stamp Program, a State may choose not to confer categorical eligibility to those who receive only these benefits. Q. Do the same rules apply to the Simplified Food Stamp Program (SFSP)? A. No. While categorical eligibility for food stamps is contingent upon a household receiving “benefits” under TANF, legislation governing the SFSP specifically requires that a household member must be receiving “assistance” under TANF for the household to be eligible to participate in an SFSP. Therefore, for purposes of the SFSP, “assistance” means assistance as defined in 45 CFR 260.31. Unless a form of support to a household qualifies as assistance under the TANF program, the household will not be elig
