Extended Three Month Benefit Period 430-05-40-50-27

(Revised 01/01/21 ML 3602)

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Amended IM 5464

IM 5464

 

 

Once an ABAWD has received the three ABAWD months, extended benefits may be granted for three full consecutive months if the individual has regained eligibility and stopped being able to meet the work requirements while on SNAP.

 

Eligibility for the extended three months can be determined by the following:

1. If the individual regains eligibility and are no longer working 20 hours or more per week or;

 

2. If the individual reapplies, is not exempt and has not voluntarily quit a job without good cause within the 30 days prior to the date of initial application, and the individual meets one of the following:

• Worked 80 hours or more in any 30 consecutive day period.

Work can include volunteer or in-kind work.

Volunteer work is when arrangements have been made with a school, hospital, public service agency, library, nursing home, church or other community organizations.

In-kind work is when an individual works in exchange for goods or services.

This does not include court ordered community services or work done for family members or friends when the individual is not paid.

 

Example:

An individual managing an apartment building in exchange for free or reduced rent.

 

• Participated in and complied with the requirements of a work program for 80 hours or more in any 30 consecutive day period. Work program means:

1. A program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), this is administered by Job Services and can be verified by contacting that office. This includes the WIA administered by the Tribes as long as it meets the 20 hour or more per week averaged monthly requirement.
2. A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Adjustment Assistance Act Program). This is administered by Job Services and can be verified by contacting that office.

3. An Employment and Training Program containing components other than job search or job search training.

NOTE:

ABAWDS participating in a SNAP Employment and Training program enrolled in the education/vocational training or job retention components may meet this requirement.

 

ABAWDS participating in a SNAP Employment and Training program may not meet the requirement if enrolled in only the job search training or job search components. However, the requirement may be met if they are enrolled in one of these components in addition to the above.

 

The BEST program would not meet this requirement as the only components offered are job search and job search training.

 

• Any combination of paid, volunteer, in-kind work, or work programs for 80 hours or more in any 30 day consecutive period.

A 30-day period means any 30 consecutive days since the individual was closed or denied for failure to comply with the ABAWD requirements or failed to file a review. It does not have to be a calendar month - it may be a combination of two months.

The extended three month benefit period can only be approved once in a 36-month period. The three months run consecutively. Once approved, the individual has received the extension regardless of whether they receive benefits for all three months. Case closings, disqualifications or zero benefits will not stop the three month count.

Examples:

1. An individual received the three ABAWD months in April, May and June and the case closed June 30 for failure to comply with the ABAWD work requirements. On August 16, the individual reapplies and verifies having worked 80 hours in a consecutive 30 days and lost the employment through no fault of their own. This individual is eligible for the extended three-month benefit period, September, October, and November. August does not count as one of the three months due to proration.
2. An individual received the three ABAWD months in April, May and June and closed June 30 for failure to comply with the ABAWD work requirements. On August 16, the individual reapplies and verifies having worked 80 hours in 30 days and lost the employment through no fault of their own. This individual is eligible for the extended three-month benefit period, September, October, and November.

On September 10 the individual reports new employment and income that exceeds the GIL, they expect the income to continue and their case closed September 30 for excess income. Even though the individual is no longer receiving benefits, the extended three month benefit period continues through the month of November. This individual would not be eligible for an additional extended ABAWD three-month benefit period during this individual's 36-month period.

3. A single individual who is not exempt from the ABAWD requirements applies and is certified for six months. The case is closed for non-compliance with ABAWD requirements at the end of the third NE month. The individual reapplies after starting a job working an average of 20 hours per week and regaining eligibility (meeting the 80 hours of work in a 30 day period). Sometime later during the review period, the individual is laid off by the employer. This individual can receive the three EE months before case closure.