WAG 21-06-11: Supportive Service Payments

Supportive Service Payments

Office of Workforce Development or FCRC:
- Issues a supportive service payment in IES. When providing supportive services, document in Case Comments the written or oral request and the justification for the supportive services. Upload receipts of expenditures in the Electronic Case Record (ECR).
- Note: The FCRC should only issue supportive services when it cannot be issued by the servicing Provider (a bus pass to attend the initial meeting with the Provider).
SNAP E&T Provider:
- All supportive services should be documented in ISETS, and a copy of the expenditure receipts should be kept in the customers case file.
- Other resources should always be considered prior to utilizing SNAP E&T funds for supportive services. Cost's limits on categories are applicable if listed in the chart below and can only exceed the amounts listed if approved by an Office of Workforce Development supervisor.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION	GUIDANCE
BOOKS & TRAINING SUPPLIES	Other sources of payment should always be considered prior to utilizing SNAP E&T funds, these may include Pell Grants, SEOG, WIOA or Worked Based Tuition Assistance. High schools, community colleges and community-based organizations (CBO's) may provide no cost tutoring for students.
Tuition/Books/Supplies - Supplies required by an employer or instructional training program.	Example Costs: tuition and books. All other students or employees must also have the same requirements for books/supplies. Must have employer or training program verification that books or other supplies are needed.
Reasonable Accommodations Supplies	Participants with disabilities may purchases goods or services (including testing) that accommodate an individual's disability, if no other resources are available.
Tools	Determine the need for tools on a case-by-case basis. Limit to $500. These costs do not fall under the clothing limit as they are related to work and can include safety glasses, steel toe protective boots, work gloves and overalls, etc. SNAP funds may not be used to purchase guns or ammunition or other items that are intended to inflict bodily harm on others.
Training materials	Items required for a training class or service.
EDUCATIONAL/CREDENTIAL TESTING	Other sources of payment should always be considered prior to utilizing SNAP E&T funds. These may include Pell Grants, SEOG, WIOA or Worked Based Tuition Assistance. High schools, community colleges and community-based organizations (CBO's) may provide no cost tutoring for students.
All expenses related to participating in an educational or training program. Testing: testing may include (though not limited to): Literacy level testing, Aptitude testing, college entry exams, or skills proficiency	Testing fee not paid if available from another free or low-cost source or not necessary to enable a customer to participate in a program. Including: Part of an approved training or educational activity Part of employment screening Maintain employment GED/ABE/ESL License/Certification expenses Union dues if they must be paid to secure employment or for the month of employment. A statement from the Union must be provided. Testing necessary to acquire a license or certification but not included in a license fee. Example: Food Handler's Card, Nursing Assistant Certification.
Course Training Registration Fees	Participants may receive assistance with tuition, lab fees, and other education related costs necessary for training connected to a SNAP E&T activity. For course registration fees over $500, verification of registration and prior approval is required. Must document how the training will enhance SNAP E&T participation, and when a certificate and /or degree is completed.
ID/Driver's License Documentation Testing Fee and Standard License Fee Documentation	Vehicle Registration/License Plate Sticker or Driver's license, including testing and standard issuance fees. This does not include paying penalty fees or debts such as license suspension due to excessive fines. Enhanced license/CDL. Citizenship and naturalization documentation, if required for SNAP E&T activities or employment. Transcripts or documentation of certificates or GED earned.
Drug Tests	Only if required for employment or training.
Fingerprinting	Only if required for employment, training or a background check.
Fees	Testing and/or documents needed for training or to support job search activities.
Student Activity fees	Only if required to participate in class.
CLOTHING	Maximum $300 per participant per program year
Clothing necessary to seek, accept and maintain employment or to participate in a work like activity or training program	Examples: Uniforms Special Shoes Special Clothing / Interview clothing Protective Devices / PPE Work Appropriate Clothing Under Clothing Other apparel as needed
CHILDCARE/MEDICAL
Childcare/Medical	Childcare: Customers who are ineligible for childcare through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), but perform approved SNAP E&T activities, may be approved for childcare services through a third party. Verification of denial for this program must be in the customer's file. Customers who need assistance with paying childcare copays and are participating in approved SNAP E&T components. Verification of the copay amount must be in the customer's file. Medical fees and supplies: Funds for medical assistance are allowable after exhausting all other resources, including coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Including emergency dental work, inoculations, eye examinations, and eyeglasses. Medical fees and supplies must have prior approval from IDHS Provider Manager Supervisor.
HOUSING/UTILITIES	Maximum $500 per participant per program year.
Housing/Utilities	Cannot be used for mortgage assistance. After all other resources have been exhausted, housing assistance may also cover awards to prevent the shut-off of essential utilities such as electricity, water, heating and cooling. Shut-off awards should not be ongoing assistance but should be limited to once (or two times maximum) per program year. Disconnection notice or a letter of intent to disconnect utilities from a landlord may be used as supporting documentation.
CELL PHONES/CELL PHONE MINUTES	Allowable only for customers engaged in job retention services.
PERSONAL HYGIENE	Maximum $250 per participant per program year.
Hygiene items needed to maintain personal appearance and grooming to participate in activities or accept employment. For items under $5, a gift card or payment of up to $25 may be provided, with a signed statement from the customer that it will be used for personal Hygiene items.	Personal hygiene items include but not limited to: Soap Shampoo Toothpaste/mouthwash Deodorant Shaving supplies Feminine hygiene supplies Feminine undergarments Laundry supplies Hair cut/color
TRANSPORTATION	Maximum $1400 per participant per program year
Public Transportation and Fuel Cards	Public transportation and Fuel cards including though not limited to: Fuel cards Transit cards Bus tickets/cards Uber/Lyft Taxi Commuter Rail
Bike Repair	Bicycle Repairs can include but are not limited to: Tires/Tubes Chain Bike Frame Helmet Lights Similar to automobile repairs, you must document necessary estimates to the best of your ability, depending on the availability of local bike repair shops. A new bike may be purchased if it is cheaper than the repair of the bike or can be used in leu of other forms of transportation.
Auto Repair	Auto repairs require the following: The customer's name must be on the title and/or valid registration of the vehicle to be repaired. The vehicle must have current insurance in the customer's name. If the customer does not have valid insurance, up to 3 months of liability insurance can be approved with a minimum of 2 quotes. If more than 3 months of insurance is needed in the program year, approval from a Workforce Development Supervisor is needed. A minimum of two (2) written estimates, except when it is not possible, such as an inoperable vehicle. When the car is inoperable, use the estimate form the garage and contact another garage, requesting a bid on similar repairs needed for the vehicle to be in working order. All work and replacement parts must be performed by a licensed business. May include charges for repair estimates (diagnostic testing) if a fee is standard for these services. Towing for car repairs only. Minor repairs of personal vehicle (registered to participant) necessary to return the vehicle to operable condition, such as: Brakes Water Pump Timing belt Batteries Chains Lights Tires (new or repaired)