Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending 22VAC40-601, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce the amount of countable income used in determining eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits for applicants and recipients paying child support pursuant to a court or administrative order. The proposal is to change how child support payments are evaluated from the income deduction option to the income exclusion option. Changing the method in which child support payments are allowed could potentially result in higher SNAP benefit amounts for households that pay support. The goal is to create an incentive to keep child support payments current.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: December 14, 2016.

Agency Contact: Celestine Jackson, Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7376, FAX (804) 726-7356, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email celestine.jackson@dss.virginia.gov.