### Question
What does qualification period mean?


### Answer
**Qualification period** has the following meaning in *7 U.S.C. § 2026*:

> a period of time immediately preceding—


(A) in the case of a new applicant for benefits under this chapter, the date on which application for such benefits is made by the individual

#### Citation:
  - *7 U.S.C. § 2026*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 51-FOOD STAMP PROGRAM**

