MR #12.03: Mandatory SNAP Employment & Training Participation in Designated Counties

2/14/2012

MR #12.03: Mandatory SNAP Employment & Training Participation in Designated Counties

Summary:

• Effective with the date of this release, the SNAP E&T Program is mandatory in areas of the state where SNAP E&T Job Placement contracted slots are available. This policy change is the result of a Food and Nutriton Service (FNS) SNAP Employment & Training Evaluation Review of the state's SNAP E&T Program.
• The SNAP E&T office in Cook and FCRCs in Regions 2-5 are required to operate a mandatory SNAP E&T program where provider slots are available.
• For all other Downstate FCRCs (Regions 2-5), where SNAP E&T contracted provider slots are not available, participation in the SNAP E&T program is not mandatory. Customers may volunteer.  Do not sanction a volunteer.  
• Employment and Training Brochure (DHS 4538) is revised.  Give DHS 4538 to nonexempt customers and explain the program requirements.
• Use Form 2151 and Code 230 to refer a nonexempt person to the provider on a first come, first serve basis.
• FCRCs are to ensure that all available contracted provider slots in their county are filled to capacity throughout the month.
• When the provider notifies the FCRC of the customer's enrollment in an E &T slot enter the Program Code 5 and the appropriate E&T activity code in Item 60.
• A nonexempt customer who is unwilling or fails to cooperate with all SNAP  E&T activities, other than regular Earnfare,  may be sanctioned, unless they have good cause.
• The FCRC is responsible for conducting a conciliation for customers who fail to attend the initial appointment with a provider. Schedule a conciliation meeting with the customer to determine if good cause exists.
• The provider is responsible for the conciliation appointments and agreements once the customer is enrolled in their program.
• Sanction a person who is unwilling to comply with an activity requirement for the appropriate sanction period.  Refer the next available person to the Provider to fill the slot. 
• Due to limited resources, the Earnfare activity within the SNAP Job Placement contracted program is no longer available.  An edit in the system will prevent entry of the  E&T Earnfare activity code 454.  Staff should  delete the code from cases currently coded with 454, including when a TA 12 /TAR 98 action is done.
•  Use activity code 453 to enroll a customer in regular Earnfare.  A customer enrolled in Earnfare may not be sanctioned for noncooperation.
• Supportive services may be issued to help the customer participate in an activity, if needed.
• Renames initial employment expenses (IEEs) job retention supports.