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 September 30, 2020. The funding that will be available to the CNMI for FY 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 FY 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 percent beginning October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Moreover, these levels would be further reduced to the pre-ENAP (2016) levels from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.
Certain ongoing households who have previously certified for eligibility beyond September 30, 2020 may not be eligible based on the adjusted income eligibility standards for FY 2021 that will become effective on October 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 FY 2021 however their benefits will have to be adjusted according to the basis of issuance of the maximum monthly benefit levels for FY 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.
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