In Mr. Smith's case, what is the correct base period for his FNS application?

The concept of a base period in the context of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) applications is crucial for determining eligibility and benefits. A base period typically refers to the timeframe used to assess an individual's or household's income and factors that affect their application.

Choosing September as the correct base period suggests that this month is used to evaluate Mr. Smith's circumstances for his eligibility. This could indicate that income or other relevant data for September are pivotal to understanding his situation or needs. In making this assessment, it’s often the most recent complete month prior to the application date that provides a clear picture of financial status.

The other months—October, August, and November—do not serve as the baseline for this specific assessment, as they either fall before or after the key period needed to accurately reflect Mr. Smith's current situation at the time of his application. By focusing on September, it ensures a timely and relevant evaluation that best represents his status when applying for assistance.