NAP benefits cut by 25% on Oct. 1

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Posted on Sep 30 2020

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The CNMI’s Nutrition Assistance Program funding availability for fiscal year 2021 is nearly half of the funding that was available in fiscal year 2020, which ends on Sept.r 30, 2020. The funding that will be available to the CNMI for fiscal year 2021 is anticipated to be $22.733 million. Of this amount, $17.365 million will be allocated for Program Benefits. 

However, current estimates indicate that $31.125 million will be needed for Program Benefits in order to continue the current levels. This presents a shortfall of $13.760 million compared to the amount allocated for Program Benefits of $17.365 million for fiscal year 2021. Because funding for the funding is controlled by Congress, the CNMI is required to make adjustments to reduce the NAP income eligibility levels and benefit levels to stay within the block grant amount. 

As a result of the shortfall, the CNMI NAP will be reducing the income eligibility standards and maximum benefit allotments by 25% beginning Oct. 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Moreover, these levels would be further reduced to the pre-ENAP (2016) levels from April 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2021.

Certain ongoing households who have previously certified for eligibility beyond Sept. 30, 2020, may not be eligible based on the adjusted income eligibility standards for fiscal year 2021 that will become effective on Oct. 1, 2020. In such case, the affected household will be issued a written notice of termination via the NAP Notice of Disposition.

Additionally, certain ongoing households may still be eligible under the adjusted income eligibility standards for fiscal year 2021; however, their benefits will have to be adjusted according to the basis of issuance of the maximum monthly benefit levels for fiscal year 2021. In such case, the affected household will be issued a written notice of reduction in benefits via the NAP Notice of Disposition.

The NAP Notices of Disposition will be mailed to the mailing address provided by the household on file. If households are interested in knowing their status they may contact the NAP Certification Unit telephone numbers 237-2801 or 2802. (PR)

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