When is a household not eligible for categorical eligibility?

A household is not eligible for categorical eligibility if any member is disqualified for intentional program violation. In the context of food assistance programs, categorical eligibility is often granted to households based on certain circumstances, such as income levels or participation in other assistance programs. However, if a member is found to have committed an intentional program violation—an act that shows a deliberate attempt to break the rules of the program—this disqualification affects the entire household's eligibility.

Intentional program violations can include actions like providing false information or failing to report income accurately. Such violations undermine the integrity of the assistance programs designed to help those in need, leading to a conclusion that the household cannot be trusted to adhere to program guidelines. Therefore, the presence of an individual disqualified for this reason directly impacts the household's categorical eligibility status.

The other situations described do not automatically disqualify a household from categorical eligibility. For instance, exceeding the gross income limit or not reporting changes may affect program benefits but would not mandate a complete disqualification unless specific conditions related to intentional violations are met. Additionally, failing to verify identity can complicate the application process but does not necessarily lead to disqualification on the basis of categorical eligibility.