The following are scenarios and instructions explaining when the payee on a SNAP case needs to be changed; and other processes where a change in payee is not necessary.

Death of the Payee

An example that could occur is if the payee on a SNAP case passes away. In this case the individual would need to removed from the case as this is a change in household composition.

• Before removing the payee from the case, you should first change the payee to another adult in the household. Once the payee has been changed, the worker can remove (S/R) the deceased client on the household tab. If there isn’t another household member, the worker should remove the children from the case and then close the case for a single household member. Failing to remove the children first will result in the computer coding the children as deceased also.

NOTE: Once you close a case on ‘death’ the deceased person’s EBT card is frozen and cannot be used. If the children have been placed with someone, you should make that person an authorized representative, let them use the benefits, remove the children for reason ‘other’ the next effective month and then close the case on ‘death’. The authorized rep card will continue to work after case closure if a benefit amount remains.

Separation/Divorce

There may be a separation, where the payee leaves the household. In this instance the general rule is that we do not change the payee. This also occurs in the case if the payee is incarcerated. The other adult as well as other household members are removed from the case and encouraged to apply on their own.