CSFP Section 2

Introduction:

To be certified as eligible for CSFP participation in the state of Washington, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Eligible individuals must be at least 60 years of age; and
• Meet the income eligibility requirements outlined below; and
• Reside in the state of Washington and reside in a county served by CSFP. 

Income Definition:

Income means household gross income before deductions for such items as income taxes, employees’ social security taxes, insurance premiums, charitable contributions, and bonds. Local agencies may exclude from consideration the following sources of income listed:

• Any basic allowance for housing received by military services personnel residing off military installations.
• The value of in-kind housing and other in-kind benefits.
• Income sources listed in 7 CFR 246.7(d)(2)(iv)(D).
• Any payments received via the Cobell Settlement; FD-116.
• Income sources listed in 7 CFR 247.9 (d) (3) (i – xxxv) in the Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity (89 FR 87228). 

Eligibility Requirements for Participants (Age 60 and Over):

Income eligibility is currently based on household income of 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and will be transitioning to the eligibility rate of 150% in 2025, published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. This means that we will be operating two different eligibility rates for a short period of time (anticipate March/April 2025).  Current participants will remain eligible at 130% and new participants will be eligible at 150%.

The income guidelines will be calculated by multiplying the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines by eligibility percent. The local agency will be notified of the maximum annual income to be used in determining eligibility for participants in the CSFP.  Participants will self-declare income to determine eligibility based on income.  For the current CSFP Income Guidelines (AGR-444), please visit the Food Assistance Forms and Publications webpage at: https://agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/hunger-relief-agency-hub/fa-forms-and-pubs).

Participants must reside in the county or area in which they receive benefits. However, under no circumstances will a participant’s length of residency be used in the eligibility determination process.  Citizenship or dual national residence requirements shall not be imposed as a condition of eligibility. 

Participant Change of Address:

If participants move from one of the CSFP counties to another, they are allowed to transfer their eligibility to the new area until the end of the certification period, assuming that CSFP is active in the new area. If the local agency has a waiting list, the participant must be placed on its waiting list ahead of all other waiting applicants. The local agency that determined the participant’s eligibility must provide verification of the expiration date of the certification period to the participant upon request.
 

Certification Periods:

Participants are certified for a twelve-month period, with the ability to extend the certification for two additional twelve-month periods. As long as the following conditions are met:

• The person’s address and continued interest in receiving program benefits are verified; and
• The local agency has sufficient reason to believe that the person still meets the income eligibility standards (e.g. the participant has a fixed income); and
• The participant has had a certification within the last 36 months. 

Certification Process:

All applicants must complete an Eligibility Application and Participant Agreement and receive the Welcome to CSFP (AGR PUB-739) senior resources handout and become certified before they can participate in the program. WSDA FA may approve an alternative senior resources handout. 

Eligibility Application:

There is a standardized Eligibility Application (AGR-2244) available on the Food Assistance webpage. However, with WSDA FA prior approval a Lead Agency may be allowed to use a different format, as long as all the required components are included. 

Participant Agreement:

There is a standardized Participant Agreement (AGR-2247) available on the Food Assistance webpage. However, with WSDA FA prior approval a Lead Agency may be allowed to use a different format, as long as all the required components are included. 

Initial Certification:

At the time of an applicant’s first certification request for CSFP services they must complete the Participant Agreement and Eligibility Application which includes the following:

• Verification of address and identification verification are required; and
• Self-declare they are at least 60 years of age; and
• Self-declare household size; and
• Self-declare income using the income guidelines provided by WSDA FA.

Certifications may be conducted by phone, mail, email, virtually, fax etc. and electronic signatures are allowed. 

The applicant must be notified in writing of their ineligibility or placement on a waiting list within ten calendar days from the date of request for CSFP services. If eligibility determination cannot be made at the time of service, then it will be sent to a certifying official for final approval or review.  All applicants must receive a copy of the signed participant agreement. Regardless of the outcome, a written Notification of Eligibility Determination must be sent to the applicant.

Notification of Eligibility Determination:

The applicant must be notified of their eligibility determination within 10 days of the applicant applying for CSFP.  The Notification of Eligibility Determination (AGR-2246) includes the following determinations:

• If found eligible the local agency may notify the applicant verbally or in writing.  
• Written notification of placement on a waiting list.
• If found ineligible the local agency must notify the applicant in writing. 

Notification of Eligibility Status Change:

If the participant’s eligibility status changes, then the participant will receive a Notification of Eligibility Status Change (AGR-2245) at least 15 days prior to the end of their certification period. 

Participant Verification at Point of Distribution and Proxy Process:

The participant may self-attest their identity by stating their name, signing a document, or otherwise verbally confirming their identity when picking up CSFP Foods.

A proxy means any person designated by a participant or caretaker to obtain USDA Foods on behalf of the participant. If a participant is unable to pick up a CSFP food package at their designated location and time due to disability, health concern, transportation issues, or conflicting work hours they can complete the CSFP Receipt of USDA Foods– Proxy Form (AGR-2324). It is important to remember:

• The form must be signed by both the participant and the proxy, as well as site personnel.
• The proxy may self-attest or otherwise verify their identity by stating their name, signing a document, or otherwise verbally confirming their identity when picking up CSFP Foods on behalf of the participant.
• The proxy is valid up to a maximum of 36 months. 

Recertification of Participants:

WSDA FA authorizes local agencies to extend the participant certification period for up to two additional twelve-month periods, as long as the following conditions are met:

• The person’s address and continued interest in receiving program benefits are verified; and
• The local agency has sufficient reason to believe that the person still meets the income eligibility standards (e.g., the participant has a fixed income); and
• The participant has had a formal certification in the last 36 months.
• Recertifications may be conducted by phone, mail, email, virtually, fax etc. and electronic signatures are allowed.

The use of nutritional risk criteria is not essential in determining eligibility.

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Revision 2024-12