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3502.1 Discretionary Exemptions SNAP Manual 07/01/2026 FNS provides for each State Agency an allotted number of discretionary exemptions equal to a percentage of the State’s SNAP participation caseload. The State Agency may use these exemptions to extend SNAP eligibility to individuals who are no longer eligible to participate in SNAP due to the three (3) month Able-Bodied Adult RTW time limit. Discretionary exemptions allow certain individuals an opportunity to establish or to re-establish themselves into the community, and may be assigned to the following groups: • Individuals who are currently in Foster Care • Individuals who are in Domestic Violence Shelters. Individuals who are currently in Foster Care or Domestic Violence Shelters may be exempt from the RTW until they exit Foster Care or the Domestic Violence Shelter. Discretionary exemptions are granted to one able-bodied adult for one (1) month. The decision to exempt an individual from RTW must be documented in the case record.