State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Release 24-02 August 22, 2024

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2.3.1 Break in Service

A break in service means that the FoodShare assistance group has closed for at least one day. Failure to provide timely verification is a common cause for FoodShare closure.

The FoodShare assistance group closes effective the last day of the month following adverse action if a requested action is not taken by the assistance group. To open the case without a new application, the reason for closure must be fully resolved during the calendar month following the closure. The date the closure is fully resolved by the member is the date used to re-establish eligibility and issue prorated benefits.

Example 1

Verification of income was due November 26. FoodShare closed for lack of verification on December 31. Verification is submitted on January 7. FoodShare benefits are prorated from the date all required verifications are received by the agency (January 7). A new application is not needed.

If the reason for closure is not fully resolved the month following the month of closure, a new application must be completed.

Example 2

Verification of income was due November 26. FoodShare closed for lack of verification on December 31. Verification is submitted on February 7. A new application is required.

Allow FoodShare to reopen at renewal if the requested action is completed in the month following the end of the current certification period, as long as the interview was completed before the end of the renewal month.

• An interview must be completed within the renewal month of the current certification period to be considered timely. If the food unit fails to complete a timely interview, FoodShare will close effective the last day of the renewal month, and a notice of closure will be sent at adverse action of the renewal month. A new FoodShare application is required in the month following the renewal due month.
• If FoodShare closes for lack of verification or other reasons after a timely renewal interview and the food unit takes the required action within the calendar month following the certification period, the agency shall reopen FoodShare and prorate benefits from the date the food unit took the required action. The certification period will begin with the month after the renewal was due.
• If FoodShare closes due to agency delay in scheduling the interview or the food unit is not available to complete the interview offered by the agency until the month following the renewal month, benefits shall be restored and a supplemental benefit will need to be issued back to the first of the month to ensure ongoing benefits, as long as verification is timely.
• If the food unit contains a member who is a migrant and received FoodShare in the previous calendar month, benefits will not be prorated from the day the food unit provides necessary information but will be restored back to the beginning of the month (see Section 7.1.1.2 Initial allotment for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers). Benefits should not be issued as expedited when applying a break in service.

Example 3

Sam requests an appointment to renew his FoodShare benefits on September 25. His benefits end on September 30. The first available appointment is October 3. Sam meets with his IM worker on October 3. The IM worker documents in case comments the reason for the late certification. Benefits begin the first of the month.

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Publication Number: P-16001