Questions & Answers - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Earnfare (26-444-80-0705-01)

3/31/2025

  1. Question: The NOFO states that a technical assistance session will be offered for this program. Just to confirm, is there additional information regarding the technical assistance session, such as date/time and registration information, available?
    • Answer:  Yes. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 9:00 am CST. Join link:
    • Password: yHHbvEeW247 (94428339 when dialing from a phone or video system)
  • Join by phone
  • +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
  • +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
  • Access code: 2864 067 3634

3/11/2025

  1. Question:  Regarding application submission, the NOFO states to "include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name." However, the GA page states that the subject line must include the "Last 4 digits of CSFA #0705" and the "Provider Organization Name." Just to confirm, should the subject line include the NOFO number or the last four digits of the CFSA number?
    • Answer:  Either format is acceptable; however, including the full NOFO # is preferred (26-444-80-0705.) As a reminder, when emailing your application, please use the email address DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov
  2. Question: The NOFO states the following: "Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee...Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award." Just to confirm, are pre-award costs allowable or not allowable for this program?
    • Answer:  Pre-award costs are not allowed for this NOFO.

4/11/2025

  1. Question:  I hope this email finds you doing well. I am with MAC Institute of Beauty and am interested in applying for the above referenced funding opportunity. When attempting to register in the CSA tracking system, it indicated that I need an Invitation Code from the Agency Contact. If this person is not you, can you please forward this email to someone who can assist us with obtaining the code.
    • Answer: In order to apply to the NOFO, you will need to access to the CSA tracking system. Here is a page which gives instructions on how to register and/or reset your password: IDHS: CSA Tracking System. If you are a new organization, please use these instructions and the following Invitation Key Code:  Please email Kathy.L.Jackson@illinois.gov and request an CSA Invitation be sent to you.

4/15/2025

  1. Question: What is the SNAP/Earnfare amount the participants we will be serving typically receive per month? I see that the maximum for Illinois is $525.
    • Answer: There is no average amount the participant earns. There is a formula that has to be completed:
      1. For Community Workfare: Total hours worked (minus) SNAP work-off hours (equals) the total Community Workfare hours to work.
      2. After Community Workfare hours are completed, a customer may work additional hours in Earnfare for a cash payment: Total Earnfare hours worked (times) State minimum wage (equals) the Earnfare cash payment issued.
  2. Question: Could you please clarify the Earnfare work requirement to work off the SNAP benefits, and the additional hours that they can work and earn a stipend? For example, my understanding is--a participant receives $525/month divided by $15/hour equals 35 hours. Is that the number of hours the participant must work? Is it without pay? Further, can that participant work an additional maximum 35 hours per month and receive a stipend? Who pays that stipend? Would it be subsidized and built into the agency's budget for this contract? Would it be unsubsidized and paid by the employer? Are both scenarios options?
    • Answer: There is no average amount the participant earns. There is a formula that calculates how many hours the customer may participate:
      1. Total hours worked (minus) SNAP work-off hours (equals) Earnfare hours to work.
      2. Then Earnfare hours worked (times) State minimum wage = Earnfare cash issued. The number of hours a participant would work would be based on their  SNAP allotment.
      3. There is a chart for those allotment amounts .  After their allotment hours are completed, a participant may work a maximum of 35 additional hours per month. The grantee pays the stipend as it's included in your budget. It is a subsidized work payment.
  3. Question: What is the percentage of men vs women currently eligible for this Earnfare employment & training program and/or what is the percentage of men and women currently in the program under current grantees?
    • Answer:  There are no certain standards regarding gender enrollment when determining eligibility for Earnfare. It based on who applies and is eligible. In FY2024 the Earnfare program had 41 participants identifying as female and 110 participants identifying as male.
  4. Question:  Can you say how many providers are currently funded for this program?
    • Answer: The Illinois Earnfare program currently has 6 grantees.
  5. Question: Can you comment on what percentage or how many new agencies are awarded this contract annually vs renewals?
    • Answer: The Office of Workforce Development only reviews new applicants during NOFO season (every 3years). During past NOFO years, 100% of new organizations applying for Earnfare award were approved for a contract. During renewal years only established grantees who have been approved for an award under the Earnfare program.
  6. Question: Should an applicant agency complete the paperwork and process to get approved and on the ISETS system as part of the application process, or is that done only if and when a contract is awarded?

4/17/2025

  1. Question:  Can I get a copy of the Earnfare Technical Session Webinar recording?