Sec. 33.019.  SIMPLIFIED CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN SNAP APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS.  (a)  The commission shall develop and implement simplified certification and recertification requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for an individual who:
(1)  is 60 years of age or older or is a person with a disability, as determined by commission rule;
(2)  has no earned income; and
(3)  resides in a household in which every individual residing in the household is 60 years of age or older or is a person with a disability, as determined by commission rule.
(b)  The simplified requirements must:
(1)  allow an individual described by this section to waive recertification interview requirements;
(2)  simplify and reduce the number of verification requirements for certifying and recertifying eligibility to receive benefits, which must include the use of a shortened application form; and
(3)  allow the individual to remain eligible for benefits for 36 months after certification and after each recertification.
(c)  An individual described by this section is required to:
(1)  submit to the commission a change reporting form every 12 months during the 36-month eligibility period; and
(2)  report to the commission, in accordance with federal law, when the individual receives an increase in income.
(d)  The commission shall, in a manner that complies with federal law, use data matching to inform eligible individuals described by this section who are receiving Medicaid benefits of their eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 839 (S.B. 224), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.