Wyo. Code R. 049-0031-2
Effective Date: 11/14/2011 to Current
Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 049.0031.2.11142011
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES CHAPTER 2 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FINAL RULES
| Section | Subject | Page |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Authority and Purpose | 2-1 |
| 2. | Definitions | 2-1 |
| 3. | Work Registration Requirements | 2-2 |
| 4. | Participant Reimbursement | 2-2 |
| 5. | Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) | 2-2 |
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES CHAPTER 2 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FINAL RULES
The Economic Assistance Division, within the Department of Family Services (DFS), is authorized under the Public Assistance and Social Services Act W.S. 42-2-101 et. seq., W.S. 42-2-103(b)(iii) & (xiii), and the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act 16-3-101 et. seq., to promulgate rules and regulations to be used by the Division in the discharge of its functions.
Cooperation with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements will be a voluntary option for clients who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Obligatory requirements may be enacted if funding streams enable the Program to put a meaningful work program into operation. The purpose of the requirements is to make available to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients meaningful work-related activities that will eventually lead to employment and decreased dependency on public assistance programs.
DFS has agreed to administer the program in accordance with the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2015), and Section 7, Parts 271 - 274, of the Code of Federal Regulations with waivers approved by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2015), and the Code of Federal Regulations Section 7, Parts 271 - 274, are incorporated by reference.
These rules are specifically designed to cover any exceptions or explanations necessary beyond information in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2015), or Section 7, Parts 271 - 274, of the Code of Federal Regulations. The exception in Section 10(b) is the result of an approved waiver. The remaining exceptions are options allowed by the Act.
(a) "Employment & Training (E&T) Program" - A federally supported program provided by the state to provide employment and training activities for applicants and/or recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Section 3. Work Registration Requirements. This section is administered in accordance with 7 CFR 273.7 with the following exceptions and clarifications and pursuant to the SNAP State Plan:
(a) Work registrants shall register for work using the DFS work registration form and then follow through per requirements detailed in the SNAP State Plan.
Section 4. Participant Reimbursement. This section is administered in accordance with the 7 CFR 273.7 with the following exceptions and clarifications and pursuant to the SNAP State Plan:
(a) Each E&T Program participant who is actively participating in an approved component will receive a monetary reimbursement based on funds available but not to exceed actual costs of all expenses that are reasonable, necessary and directly related to participation in an E&T component. (b) The participant will be entitled to the reimbursement upon satisfactory completion of the E&T component activity at the end of the first and fifth week of participation. (c) A participant who accepts employment of thirty (30) hours or more per week as a result of E&T component activity shall be considered to have satisfactorily completed the E&T requirements and will receive a reimbursement for the period.
Section 5. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). This section is administered in accordance with the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as amended (7 U.S.C. 2015) and approved waivers with the following exceptions and clarifications:
(a) ABAWD Work Requirements. An able-bodied adult, without any children living in the same household, shall only receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for three (3) months out of every thirty-six (36) months unless he/she:
(i) Works eighty (80) hours or more per month;
(ii) Participates in and complies with the requirements of one (1) of the following work programs for eighty (80) hours or more per month:
(A) Workforce Investment Act (WIA), or (B) Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA); or
(iii) Works or participates in a work program for a combined total of eighty (80) hours or more per month.
(b) Exemptions from the three month limit. The benefit limit shall not apply to those individuals exempted in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 2015) or to an individual if he/she is an enrolled tribal member living on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
(c) Determining Eligibility for Benefits.
(i) DFS identifies each ABAWD in a household at the time of application or at the time of the first benefit recertification.
(ii) DFS shall look back at the previous thirty-six (36) months to determine if the ABAWD received three (3) months of benefits while not meeting the work requirements.
(iii) DFS shall count only months in which the ABAWD received a full month's benefits:
(A) Paid on or after December 1, 1996;
(B) As a mandatory individual; and
(C) While not meeting the work requirements.
(d) The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), may, on occasion, authorize suspension of the ABAWD requirements, as allowed by law. During the periods of suspension, the above requirements will not be applied.