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.