SNAP Rule #242P - Income and Deductions Update

PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE:  The Department proposes rule to amend 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to—

1. ensure compliance with H.R. 1-Budget Reconciliation Act signed into law on July 4, 2025;
2. exclude certain income types that are key to establishing self sufficiency for the household or improving state programs;
3. correct citations; and
4. add clarity.

This proposed rule makes the following changes.

1. Section 555-4

• Paragraph 4 would be modified to specify that repayments of prior overpayments are only excluded if the repayment is to the same source. E.g. the portion of a wage garnished to cover a TANF overpayment is still countable income.
• The reference in the note in Paragraph 5 would be corrected from “Paragraph 21” to “Paragraph 20”
• Paragraph 6 would be expanded to exclude reimbursements for participation in certain committees, councils and boards.
• Paragraphs 13(A) and 15 would be modified to only exclude energy assistance, weatherization, or emergency repair or replacement of heating or cooling device payments if they are made to households with at least one member who is elderly or has a disabling condition. This change was part of an emergency rule making and this proposed rule making would make it permanent.

Paragraph 24 would be added, excluding certain means tested stipends for students.