Mid-Certification Renewal (MCR): The review that occurs in the middle of the certification period for benefits to continue. An MCR is not an application, it is a review of any changes that have taken place since the certification.
Students at MCR:
The eligibility worker only re-evaluates student status of household members at the mid-certification renewal when the household reports the status has changed or the information conflicts with the certification. Unlike an ABAWD household member meeting the work requirements, students are NOT required to report any changes in their student status unless they go over the income standards. Contact with the household may be necessary if there is not enough information on the renewal form to determine student status. Do NOT “pend” the MCR in Current – process the case based on the information available. If there isn’t enough information to complete the MCR, follow the MCR process guidance for cases that have not submitted sufficient verification.
If a household member was an eligible student at certification but reports to be an ineligible student at MCR:
- If there are other household members, remove the ineligible individual from SNAP benefits (Income/Resources are Not considered in benefits computation – Individual Not Included or S/N) with a reason code of ineligible student.
- If the individual is the only household member, allow the case to close (or remain closed) on reason code 36S. Follow MCR guidance for sending a Notice of Action.
If a household member was an eligible student at certification but reports to no longer be a student at MCR:
- Allow the household member to keep the Work Registration exemption of “student” for the remainder of the certification period since a re-screening for ABAWD is not necessary.
If the household member was not a student at certification but reports to be a student at MCR:
- If the person is an ineligible student:
- If there are other household members, remove the ineligible individual from SNAP benefits (Income/Resources are Not considered in benefits computation – Individual Not Included or S/N) with a reason code of ineligible student.
- If the individual is the only household member, allow the case to close (or remain closed) on reason code 36S. Follow MCR guidance for sending a Notice of Action.
- If the person is an eligible student (based on case information or verification already in the file), proceed to complete the renewal with this information.
SNAP Student Verification Quick Reference Guide |
|||
| Student Type | Application / Cert Renewal (CR) | MCR | FACS Coding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16 – 17 (High School or Equivalent) |
|
|
Work Reg Exempt
Person 16 or 17 Years of Age Not Head of Household or Attending School/Employment Training Program) |
| Age 18+ (High School or Equivalent) |
|
|
Work Reg Exempt (Student) |
| Higher Education (College, Trade, Etc.) |
|
|
Eligible = S/A and WR Exempt = Student
Not Eligible = S/N |
Key Points to Remember:
- 16-17 year old HS students – Never require verification
- 18+ HS students – Verify only at certification
Always document in case notes:
- Student status
- Verification (if required)
- Exemption determination
At MCR:
High School exemptions carry over from certification
Higher education must be re-verified, if changes are reported
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