XII. Supportive Services Reference Chart

The Provider will issue supportive service payments by check, money order, fare card, electronic payment, gift card or cash. All issuances must be clearly documented in each participant's case file. The Provider must maintain receipts signed and dated by the participant to verify issuance of each supportive services payment, as is practical. Documentation of each issuance must include the amount, purpose, and date. Financial accounting for all monies disbursed will be required and are subject to audit and review.

Refer to Supportive Services Directory (WAG 21-06-11) for specific guidance, maximum amounts, and special circumstances.

Rates are subject to change.

Cost's limits on categories are applicable if listed in the chart below and can only exceed the amounts listed if approved by a 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 book/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 series.
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 client 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
  • Liability Insurance
  • 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.
  • Minimum legal insurance coverage to drive an automobile or similar vehicle may be purchase after 3 quotes have been reviewed and may be paid for up to months of coverage.
  • 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 Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), but perform approved SNAP T&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.
  • Customer who needs assistance with paying childcare copays and are performing approved SNAP E&T activities. 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 individuals 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, all bike repairs must have estimates from a local bike repair shop or retailer.

A new bike may be purchased if it is cheaper than the repair of the bike or can be used in lieu 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 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)