---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 2031"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "2031"
heading: "Minnesota Family Investment Project"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/2031"
units:
  - "Chapter 51 — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program"
---

# §2031. Minnesota Family Investment Project

- (a) **In general—**
  - (1) Subject to [paragraph (2)](#a-2), upon written application of the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) of Minnesota that complies with this section and sections [6](/usc/7/6.md) to [11](/usc/7/11.md), [13](/usc/7/13.md), 130, and 132 of article 5 of 282 of the 1989 Laws of Minnesota, and after approval of such application by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) in accordance with subsections [(b)](#b) and [(d)](#d), the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may implement a family investment demonstration project (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Project”) in parts of the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to determine whether the Project more effectively helps families to become self-supporting and enhances their ability to care for their children than do the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and programs under parts A and F[^1] of title IV of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.]. The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may provide cash payments under the Project, subject to [paragraph (2)](#a-2), that replace assistance otherwise available under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act.
  - (2) The Project may be implemented only in accordance with this section and only if the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) of Health and Human Services approves an application submitted by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) permitting the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to include in the Project families who are eligible to receive [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act.
- (b) **Required terms and conditions of Project—** The application submitted by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under [subsection (a)](#a) shall provide an assurance that the Project shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
  - (1) Only families may be eligible to receive assistance and services through the Project.
  - (2) Participating families, families eligible for or participating in the program authorized under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.] or the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) that are assigned to and found eligible for the Project, and families required to submit an application for the Project that are found eligible for the Project shall be ineligible to receive [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (3)
    - (A) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph and any reduction imposed under [subsection (c)(3)](#c-3) of this section, the value of assistance provided to participating families shall not be less than the aggregate value of the assistance such families could receive under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and part A of title IV of the Social Security Act if such families did not participate in the Project.
    - (B) For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in [subparagraph (A)](#b-3-A)—
      - (i) payments for child care expenses under the Project shall be considered part of the value of assistance provided to participating families with earnings;
      - (ii) payments for child care expenses for families without earnings shall not be considered part of the value of assistance provided to participating families or the aggregate value of assistance that such families could have received under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; and
      - (iii) any child support payments not assigned to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under the provisions of part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, less $50 per month, shall be considered part of the aggregate value of assistance participating families would receive if such families did not participate in the Project;
    - (C) For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in [subparagraph (A)](#b-3-A), the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall—
      - (i) identify the sets of characteristics indicative of families that might receive less assistance under the Project;
      - (ii) establish a mechanism to determine, for each participating family that has a set of characteristics identified under [clause (i)](#b-3-C-i) whether such family could receive more assistance, in the aggregate, under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and part A of title IV of the Social Security Act if such family did not participate in the project;
      - (iii) increase the amount of assistance provided under the Project to any family that could receive more assistance, in the aggregate, under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and part A of title IV of the Social Security Act if such family did not participate in the Project, so that the assistance provided under the Project to such family is not less than the aggregate amount of assistance such family could receive under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and part A of title IV of the Social Security Act if such family did not participate in the Project; and
      - (iv) increase the amount of assistance paid to participating families, if the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) or locality imposes a sales tax on [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), by the amount needed to compensate for the tax.

      This subparagraph shall not be construed to require the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to make the determination under [clause (ii)](#b-3-C-ii) for families that do not have a set of characteristics identified under [clause (i)](#b-3-C-i).

    - (D)
      - (i) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall designate standardized amounts of assistance provided as [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance under the Project and notify monthly each participating family of such designated amount.
      - (ii) The amount of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance so designated shall be at least the value of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) such family could have received under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) if the Project had not been implemented. The provisions of this subparagraph shall not require that the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) make individual determinations as to the amount of assistance under the Project designated as [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance.
      - (iii) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall periodically allow participating families the option to receive such [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance in the form of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d).
    - (E)
      - (i) Individuals ineligible for the Project who are members of a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) including a participating family shall have their eligibility for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) determined and have their [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) calculated and issued following the standards established under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), except as provided differently in this subparagraph.
      - (ii) The [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall determine such individuals’ eligibility for [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and the amount of such [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) without regard to the participating family.
      - (iii) In computing such individuals’ income for purposes of determining eligibility (under [section 2014(c)(1) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=c-1)) and [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall apply the maximum excess shelter expense deduction specified under [section 2014(e) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=e).
      - (iv) Such individuals’ monthly [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) shall be the higher of $10 or 75 percent of the amount calculated following the standards of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and the foregoing requirements of this subparagraph, rounded to the nearest lower whole dollar.
  - (4) The Project shall include education, [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7), and training services equivalent to those offered under the [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training program described in [section 2015(d)(4) of this title](/usc/7/2015.md?p=d-4) to families similar to participating families elsewhere in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (5) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may select families for participation in the Project through submission and approval of an application for participation in the Project or by assigning to the Project families that are determined eligible for or are participating in the program authorized by part A of title IV of the Social Security Act or the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (6) Whenever selection for participation in the Project is accomplished through submission and approval of an application for the Project—
    - (A) the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall promptly determine eligibility for the Project, and issue assistance to eligible families, retroactive to the date of application, not later than thirty days following the family’s filing of an application;
    - (B) in the case of families determined ineligible for the Project upon application, the application for the Project shall be deemed an application for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), and [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) shall be issued to those found eligible following the standards established under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t);
    - (C) expedited [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) shall be provided under terms no more restrictive than under paragraph (9) of [section 2020(e) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e) and the laws of Minnesota and shall include expedited issuance of designated [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance provided through the Project or expedited [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) through the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t);
    - (D) each individual who contacts the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) in [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) during office hours to make what may reasonably be interpreted as an oral or written request to receive financial assistance shall receive and shall be permitted to file an application form on the same day such contact is first made;
    - (E) provision shall be made for telephone contact by, mail delivery of forms to and mail return of forms by, and subsequent home or telephone interview with, elderly individuals, physically or mentally handicapped individuals, and individuals otherwise unable to appear in [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) solely because of transportation difficulties and similar hardships;
    - (F) a family may be represented by another [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) if the other [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) has clearly been designated as the representative of such family for that purpose and the representative is an adult who is sufficiently aware of relevant circumstances, except that the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may—
      - (i) restrict the number of families who may be represented by such [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1); and
      - (ii) otherwise establish criteria and verification standards for representation under this subparagraph; and
    - (G) the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall provide a method for reviewing applications to participate in the Project submitted by, and distributing assistance under the Project to, families that do not reside in permanent dwellings or who have no fixed mailing address.
  - (7) Whenever selection for participation in the Project is accomplished by assigning families that are determined eligible for or participating in the program authorized by part A of title IV of the Social Security Act or the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t)—
    - (A) the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall provide eligible families assistance under the Project no later than [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) would have been provided following the standards established under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t); and
    - (B) the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall ensure that assistance under the Project is provided so that there is no interruption in [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for families participating in the program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act or the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (8) Paragraphs (1)(B) and (8) of [section 2020(e) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e) shall apply with respect to applicants and participating families in the same manner as such paragraphs apply with respect to applicants and participants in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (9) Assistance provided under the Project shall be reduced to reflect the pro rata value of any [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) received under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) for the same period.
  - (10)
    - (A) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall provide each family or family member whose participation in the Project ends and each family whose participation is terminated with notice of the existence of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and the [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) or agency to contact for more information.
    - (B)
      - (i) Following the standards specified in [subparagraph (C)](#b-10-C), the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall ensure that [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) are provided to participating families in case the Project is terminated or to participating families or family members that are determined ineligible for the Project because of income, resources, or change in [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) composition, if such families or individuals are determined eligible for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t). [Benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) shall be issued to eligible families and individuals described in this clause retroactive to the date of termination from the Project; and
      - (ii) If sections 256.031 through 256.036 of the Minnesota Statutes, 1989 Supplement, or Minnesota Laws 1989, chapter 282, article 5, section 130, are amended to reduce or eliminate [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) provided under those sections or restrict the rights of Project applicants or participating families, the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall exclude from the Project applicants or participating families or individuals affected by such amendments and follow the standards specified in [subparagraph (C)](#b-10-C), except that the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall continue to pay from [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) funds an amount equal to the [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance portion to such families and individuals until the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) determines eligibility or ineligibility for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) or the family or individual has failed to supply the needed additional information within ten days. [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) shall be provided to families and individuals excluded from the Project under this clause who are determined eligible for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) retroactive to the date of the determination of eligibility. The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall pay to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) the value of the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for which such families and individuals would have been eligible in the absence of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance payments under this clause from the date of termination from the Project to the date [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are provided.
    - (C) Each family whose Project participation is terminated shall be screened for potential eligibility for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) and if the screening indicates potential eligibility, the family or family member shall be given a specific request to supply all additional information needed to determine such eligibility and assistance in completing a signed [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) application including provision of any relevant information obtained by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) for purpose of the Project. If the family or family member supplies such additional information within ten days after receiving the request, the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall, within five days after the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) receives such information, determine whether the family or family member is eligible for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t). Each family or family member who is determined through the screening or otherwise to be ineligible for the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) shall be notified of that determination.
  - (11) [Section 2020(e)(10) of this title](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-10) shall apply with respect to applicant and participating families in the same manner as such paragraph applies with respect to applicants and participants in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), except that families shall be given notice of any action for which a hearing is available in a manner consistent with the notice requirements of the regulations implementing sections [402(a)(4)](/usc/7/402.md) and 482(h)[^1] of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 602(a)(4)](/usc/42/602.md?p=a-4)].
  - (12) For each fiscal year, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall not be liable for any costs related to carrying out the Project in excess of those that the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) would have been liable for had the Project not been implemented, except for costs for evaluating the Project, but shall adjust for the full amount of the federal share of increases or decreases in costs that result from changes in economic, demographic, and other conditions in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) based on data specific to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), changes in eligibility or [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) levels authorized by this chapter, or changes in amounts of Federal funds available to [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) and localities under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (13) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall carry out the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) throughout the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) while the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) carries out the Project.
  - (14)
    - (A) Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#b-14-B), the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) will carry out the Project during a five-year period beginning on the date the first family receives assistance under the Project.
    - (B) The Project may be terminated—
      - (i) by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) one hundred and eighty days after the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) gives notice to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) that it intends to terminate the Project;
      - (ii) by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) one hundred and eighty days after the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, determines that the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) materially failed to comply with this section; or
      - (iii) whenever the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) and the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) jointly agree to terminate the Project.
  - (15) Not more than six thousand families may participate in the Project simultaneously.
- (c) **Additional terms and conditions of Project—** The Project shall be subject to the following additional terms and conditions:
  - (1) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may require any parent in a participating family to participate in education, [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7), or training requirements unless the individual is a parent in a family with one parent who—
    - (A) is ill, incapacitated, or sixty years of age or older;
    - (B) is needed in the home because of the illness or incapacity of another family member;
    - (C) is the parent of a child under one year of age and is personally providing care for the child;
    - (D) is the parent of a child under six years of age and is employed or participating in education or [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training services for twenty or more hours a week;
    - (E) works thirty or more hours a week or, if the number of hours worked cannot be verified, earns at least the Federal minimum hourly wage rate multiplied by thirty per week; or
    - (F) is in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
  - (2) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall not require any parent of a child under six years of age in a participating family with only one parent to be employed or participate in education or [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7) and training services for more than twenty hours a week.
  - (3) For any period during which an individual required to participate in education, [employment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=j-7), or training requirements fails to comply without good cause with a requirement imposed by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under [paragraph (1)](#c-1), the amount of assistance to the family under the Project may be reduced by an amount not more than 10 percent of the assistance the family would be eligible for with no income other than that from the Project.
- (d) **Funding—**
  - (1) If an application submitted under [subsection (a)](#a) complies with the requirements specified in [subsection (b)](#b), then the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall—
    - (A) approve such application; and
    - (B) subject to [subsection (b)(12)](#b-12) from the funds appropriated under this chapter provide grant awards and pay the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) each calendar quarter for—
      - (i) the cost of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance provided under the Project equal to the amount that would have otherwise been issued in the form of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) had the Project not been implemented, as estimated under a methodology satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) after negotiations with the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r); and
      - (ii) the administrative costs incurred by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to provide [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance under the Project that are authorized under subsections (a), (g), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of [section 2025 of this title](/usc/7/2025.md) equal to the amount that otherwise would have been paid under such subsections had the Project not been implemented, as estimated under a methodology satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) after negotiations with the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r): Provided, That payments made under subsection (g) of [section 2025 of this title](/usc/7/2025.md) shall equal payments that would have been made if the Project had not been implemented.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall periodically adjust payments made to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) to reflect—
    - (A) the cost of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued to individuals ineligible for the Project specified in [subsection (b)(3)(E)](#b-3-E) in excess of the amount that would have been issued to such individuals had the Project not been implemented, as estimated under a methodology satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) after negotiations with the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r); and
    - (B) the cost of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued to families exercising the option specified in [subsection (b)(3)(D)(iii)](#b-3-D-iii) in excess of the amount that would have been issued to such individuals had the Project not been implemented, as estimated under a methodology satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) after negotiations with the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (3) Payments under [paragraph (1)(B)](#d-1-B) shall include adjustments, as estimated under a methodology satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) after negotiations with the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), for increases or decreases in the costs of providing [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance and associated administrative costs that result from changes in economic, demographic, or other conditions in the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) based on data specific to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), changes in eligibility or [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) levels authorized by this chapter, and changes in or additional amounts of Federal funds available to [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) and localities under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
- (e) **Waiver—** With respect to the Project, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall waive compliance with any requirement contained in this chapter (other than this section) that, if applied, would prevent the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) from carrying out the Project or effectively achieving its purpose.
- (f) **Project audits—** The Comptroller General of the United States shall—
  - (1) conduct periodic audits of the operation of the Project to verify the amounts payable to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) from time to time under [subsection (d)](#d); and
  - (2) submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) of Health and Human Services, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the results of each such audit.
- (g) **Construction—**
  - (1) For purposes of any Federal, [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), or local law other than part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 601](/usc/42/601.md) et seq.] or this chapter—
    - (A) cash assistance provided under the Project that is designated as [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance by the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall be treated in the same manner as [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) are treated; and
    - (B) participating families shall be treated in the same manner as participants in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) are treated.
  - (2) Nothing in this section shall—
    - (A) allow payments made to the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) under the Project to be less than the amounts the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) and eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) within the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) would have received if the Project had not been implemented; or
    - (B) require the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to incur costs as a result of the Project in excess of costs that would have been incurred if the Project had not been implemented, except for costs for evaluation.
- (h) **Quality control—** Participating families shall be excluded from any sample taken for purposes of making any determination under [section 2025(c) of this title](/usc/7/2025.md?p=c). For purposes of establishing the total value of [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) under [section 2025(c)(1) of this title](/usc/7/2025.md?p=c-1), [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) and the amount of federal liability for [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) assistance provided under the Project as limited by [subsection (b)(12)](#b-12) of this section shall be treated as [allotments](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) issued under the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
- (i) **Evaluation—**
  - (1) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall develop and implement a plan for an independent evaluation designed to provide reliable information on Project impacts and implementation. The evaluation will include treatment and control groups and will include random assignment of families to treatment and control groups in an urban setting. The evaluation plan shall satisfy the evaluation concerns of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) of Agriculture such as effects on [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to participants, costs of the Project, payment accuracy, administrative consequences, any reduction in welfare dependency, any reduction in total assistance payments, and the consequences of cash payments on [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) expenditures, and [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) consumption. The evaluation plan shall take into consideration the evaluation requirements and administrative obligations of the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r). The evaluation will measure the effects of the Project in regard to goals of increasing family income, prevention of long-term dependency, movement toward self-support, and simplification of the welfare system.
  - (2) The [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall pay 50 percent of the cost of developing and implementing such plan and the Federal Government shall pay the remainder.
- (j) **Definitions—** For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
  - (1) The term “family” means the following individuals who live together: a minor child or a group of minor children related to each other as siblings, half siblings, stepsiblings, or adopted siblings, together with their natural or adoptive parents, or their caregiver. Family also includes a pregnant woman in the third trimester of pregnancy with no children.
  - (2) The term “contract” means a plan to help a family pursue self-sufficiency, based on the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r)’s assessment of the family’s needs and abilities and developed with a parental caregiver.
  - (3) The term “caregiver” means a minor child’s natural or adoptive parent or parents who live in the home with the minor child. For purposes of determining eligibility for the Project, “caregiver” also means any of the following individuals who live with and provide care and support to a minor child when the minor child’s natural or adoptive parent or parents do not reside in the same home: grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, [persons](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) of preceding generations as denoted by prefixes of “great” or “great-great” or a spouse of any [person](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) named in the above groups even after the marriage ends by death or divorce.
  - (4) The term “[State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r)” means the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) of Minnesota.

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 88–525, § 22, as added Pub. L. 101–202, Dec. 6, 1989, 103 Stat. 1796; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title IX, § 941(11), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4118(d), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 321; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(11), 4115(b)(15), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1092, 1095, 1108; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(11), 4115(b)(15), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1853, 1856, 1870; Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, § 4030(k), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 814.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b)(2), (3)(A), (B)(ii), (iii), (C)(ii), (iii), (5), (7), and (g)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to part A (§ 601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Part F of title IV of the Act was classified generally to part F (§ 681 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 108(e), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2167. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 482 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(11), was classified to section 682 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 108(e), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2167.

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(10)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–79 substituted “Benefits shall” for “Food benefits shall”.

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(11)(A), substituted “Minnesota Family Investment Project” for “Food stamp portion of Minnesota Family Investment Plan” in section catchline.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(B), substituted “benefits” for “coupons” in two places.

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(B), substituted “benefits” for “coupons”.

Subsec. (b)(10)(B)(i). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(B), substituted “benefits shall be issued” for “coupons shall be issued”.

Subsec. (b)(10)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(A), (B), substituted “benefits shall be provided” for “coupons shall be provided”, “value of the benefits” for “value of the food coupons”, and “the date benefits” for “the date food coupons”.

Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(11)(B), made technical amendment to reference in original Act which appears in text as reference to this chapter.

Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(B), substituted “benefits” for “coupons” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(11)(B), made technical amendment to reference in original Act which appears in text as reference to this chapter.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(11)(C), made technical amendment to reference in original Act which appears in introductory provisions as reference to this chapter.

Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(C), substituted “benefits” for “coupon”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(b)(15)(A), substituted “benefits” for “food coupons”.

2002—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–171 substituted “section 2025(c)(1) of this title” for “section 2025(c)(1)(C) of this title” and struck out “Payments for administrative costs incurred by the State shall be included for purposes of establishing the adjustment under section 2025(c)(1)(A) of this title.” at end.

1991—Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(11)(A), inserted section catchline.

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(11)(B), substituted “subsection (b)(3)(D)(iii)” for “paragraph (b)(3)(D)(iii)”.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–237, § 941(11)(C), substituted “subsection (b)(12)” for “subsection b(12)”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by sections 4001(b), 4002(a)(11), and 4115(b)(15) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–171 not applicable with respect to any sanction, appeal, new investment agreement, or other action by the Secretary of Agriculture or a State agency that is based on a payment error rate calculated for any fiscal year before fiscal year 2003, see section 4118(e) of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as a note under section 2022 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–171 effective Oct. 1, 2002, except as otherwise provided, see section 4405 of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–237 effective and to be implemented no later than Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1101(d)(1) of Pub. L. 102–237, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.

### Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (f)(2) of this section relating to submitting reports on periodic audits to certain committees of Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 2 of House Document No. 103–7.