FROM: Colleen Donovan, SNAP Technical Assistance Specialist s1

SNAP MEMO #6 15-16

TO: NOEP Subcontractors

FROM: Colleen Donovan, SNAP Technical Assistance Specialist

DATE: January 19th, 2016

RE: ABAWD Status Notification Letter and Information Update 2 ______

This memo highlights information regarding the reinstatement of Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit rules and waivers, and the letter that some SNAP recipients may receive to let them know about the policy change. This information was provided by OTDA through 15-INF-11 and is in addition to information provided in SNAP Policy Memo #5.

Included in this memo is the following:

 Background Information  Maintaining Eligibility for SNAP Participants Who Need to Adhere to ABAWD Work Requirements  Reporting Requirements  Responsibility of Local SNAP Offices

Background Information In December 2015 GIS 15 TA/DC054 was released from OTDA to notify SNAP offices about the changes in the Abled Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) policies. Letters were mailed to potential ABAWDs including those who may have been misclassified. Starting on January 1st, SNAP offices re-implemented the ABAWD requirements and the “time clock” for three-month eligibility in a 36-month period began.

Maintaining Eligibility for SNAP Participants Who Need to Adhere to ABAWD Work Requirements Beginning on January 1st, in order to remain eligible for SNAP for longer than 3 months in a 36-month period, ABAWDs must complete and document a qualified work activity each month. Work activities can vary and include:

 Work, volunteer activities or “in-kind” work for at least 80 hours per month  Participation in a qualifying work/training program approved by the SNAP office for at least 80 hours per month (job search activities can be included in the total number of hours, but cannot be more than half of the monthly hours)

Hunger Solutions New York NOEP SNAP Policy Memo # 6 15-16’  Complying with a Work Experience Program Assignment. The number of hours is calculated by dividing the total SNAP allotment by the state minimum wage ($9.00)  Participation in an activity under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act or the Trade Act of 1974 for at least 80 hours per month. Activities can include: o Job search o Job readiness activities o Adult education and literacy activities  Participation in a combination of the above listed work/training programs for at least 80 hours per month

Reporting Requirements SNAP recipients who are required to adhere to ABAWD work requirements will need to provide documentation to the local SNAP office to demonstrate that they are in compliance with the work requirements to remain eligible for SNAP after their 3-month time limit has expired. These SNAP recipients need to notify their local SNAP office if their work/training activities go below 80 hours in a month. The SNAP recipient has 10 days after the month of the decrease to notify the SNAP office of the change.

Responsibility of Local SNAP Offices SNAP offices are required to determine the work registration status of each SNAP applicant to determine if the applicant needs to comply with SNAP Employment and Training requirements.

SNAP offices are required to provide all potential ABAWDs with information regarding work based eligibility requirements and the potential consequences for not adhering to the re-introduced ABAWD rules. SNAP offices have been advised to use the “Notice of ABAWD Status” letter that was developed by OTDA to assist SNAP applicants/recipients to understand the re-introduced ABAWD policies and time limits. In addition, during the interview, SNAP workers should explain the SNAP ABAWD policies, including the rules regarding the time limits and compliance with work activities.

If someone has been identified incorrectly as needing to comply with ABAWD regulations, they should contact their local SNAP office. In addition, individuals who are correctly identified as an ABAWD are encouraged to contact the SNAP office to find out what qualifying work activities are available to them so that they can continue receiving benefits after they meet the 3-month time limit.

Links:  15-INF-11 – Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Status Notification Letter  GIS 15 TA/DC054 – ABAWD Waiver Status and One-Time Mailing of ABAWD Status Notification Letter  ABAWD Tools and Resources – Hunger Solutions New York ABAWD Website

Hunger Solutions New York NOEP SNAP Policy Memo # 6 15-16’ If you have any questions about this memo, or any other SNAP related questions, please contact Colleen Donovan by phone at (518) 436-8757 ext. 126 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Visit the NOEP Network on our website! This memo may be found in the NOEP Network of the Hunger Solutions New York website. Go to www.HungerSolutionsNY.org Scroll down to the lower right hand corner and click Sign In. Enter Username and Password. Click NOEP Network. Click NOEP News. Click SNAP Policy Memos. Remember – Memos are Newsworthy!

Hunger Solutions New York NOEP SNAP Policy Memo # 6 15-16’