SNAP Categorical Eligibility for Head Start  •  CSBG and Head Start Rules and Voter Outreach Activities  •  Head Start COLA Increases  •  Supplemental Weatherization Funding Guidance

SNAP Recipients Now Categorically Eligible for Head Start 

On April 21, 2022, the Office of Head Start (OHS) issued Information Memorandum ACF-IM-HS-22-03 extending categorical eligibility for Head Start services to families eligible for or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP recipients are now automatically eligible for Head Start services even though SNAP has slightly higher income thresholds than the base income threshold for Head Start services.

Remember! CSBG and Head Start Rules Still Apply to Voter Outreach Activities Supported by Executive Order 

The White House recently issued an update on some of the actions federal agencies have taken to implement the 2021 Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting (the Order). The Order directed federal agencies to create and submit strategic plans for promoting voter registration and voter participation. Some CAAs have received guidance from their federal funding sources encouraging grantees to conduct voter registration and outreach as part of the federal agency’s strategic plans. CAAs should keep in mind that their Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Head Start funding may restrict voter registration activities by the organization.

Head Start Increases Funding for COLA and Quality Improvements 

Head Start received a funding increase in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees as well as other program quality improvements. On April 14, 2022, the Office of Head Start (OHS) issued a Program Instruction (PI) (ACF-PI-HS-22-02) that provides information about the increased FY2022 Head Start funding and how grantees may apply for and use it.

New Spring Notices Clarify Forecast for Weatherization  

New guidance has been issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) to clarify elements of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for the upcoming year. These Program Notices provide grantees and subgrantees with information to help them develop WAP Grantee Plans and apply for Weatherization funds allocated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or “BIL”), and also clarify expectations around the use of Weatherization Readiness Funds to help prepare homes for weatherization. 

This Legal Update is part of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Legal Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Center. It was created by Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW) in the performance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Cooperative Agreement – Award Number 90ET0482-02. Any opinion, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

The contents of this publication are intended to convey general information only and do not constitute legal advice. Any communication through this publication or through CAPLAW’s website does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact CAPLAW or another attorney directly.