Under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970, roles involving eligibility determination and certification must be performed by merit-based employees – nonpartisan public service employees who receive extensive training and develop the deep knowledge necessary to guide SNAP applicants, conduct SNAP certification interviews, and make final decisions on SNAP eligibility and benefits.
Learn why Congress should continue to uphold the merit system in FRAC’s fact sheet, SNAP Merit Staff Preserve Program Integrity.