The 2014 Farm Bill authorized up to $200 million for the development, implementation, and evaluation of up to 10 pilot projects designed to reduce dependency and increase work effort under SNAP. These pilots gave USDA and states the opportunity to build on existing SNAP E&T programs and test new strategies to determine the most effective ways to help SNAP recipients gain and retain employment that leads to self-sufficiency.
The purpose of this study is to help FNS better understand how states are implementing the SNAP E&T case management requirement, including how they assess individuals’ needs for services and supports and provide participant reimbursements and other support services. It was also intended to identify promising practices and lessons learned that can be used to support states as they work to provide case management services aligned with their participants’ needs, available resources, and program priorities.
The SNAP E&T pilot projects give Congress, USDA, and states the opportunity to test innovative strategies and approaches that connect low-income households to good paying jobs and thereby reduce their reliance on public assistance.
This study — mandated by Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 — reviews research on employment and training program components and practices that: (1) assist members of households participating in SNAP to obtain regular employment; and (2) are best integrated with state workforce development systems.
The SNAP E&T pilot projects give Congress, USDA, and states the opportunity to test innovative strategies and approaches that connect low-income households to good paying jobs and thereby reduce their reliance on public assistance.
The attached questions and answers provide additional policy clarification responding to state agency questions concerning the interim final rule titled SNAP Employment and Training Program Monitoring, Oversight and Reporting Measures published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2016.
Interagency Letter to Promote the Use of Career Pathways in Federal Education and Training Programs
The interim final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) Program Monitoring, Oversight and Reporting Measures, was published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2016. States are required to include reporting measures in their E&T State Plans for federal fiscal year 2017.
This rule implements the employment and training (E&T) provisions of section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 provides the Department additional oversight authority of state agencies' administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program E&T program.
This memorandum provides policy clarification to state agencies on the SNAP Employment and Training requirements when opting to submit E&T plan components as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act combined state plan.