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State Plan AR FY26 - Original Submission Page of 39 112 Examples of good cause include, but are not limited to: Injury or illness of the participant or a household member requiring the participant’s care Household emergencies Unavailability of transportation (public or private) Lack of adequate childcare for children aged 6 to 12 Unsuitable employment conditions, such as: Wages below applicable federal minimums Required union membership or restriction on union membership Worksite strikes or lockouts (unless legally prohibited) Unreasonable health or safety risks Commuting time exceeding two hours per day without available transportation Work hours conflicting with religious beliefs Job outside participant’s usual line of work during the first 30 days after application Language barriers preventing effective communication Lack of a valid Social Security Number needed for work registration Employer-recognized retirements or resignations due to circumstances beyond the participant’s control, such as job offers that don’t materialize or offer insufficient hours or pay Seasonal or migratory employment where gaps exist between jobs Discrimination based on age, sex, race, disability, religion, national origin, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity The State agency carefully reviews good cause claims, contacts participants for additional information as needed, and documents decisions in case records. Determinations are made by Program Eligibility Specialists. Describe the State agency's process to determine good cause if there is not an appropriate and available opening for an E&T participant. When a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) participant is referred back to the State agency due to incompatibility with their current provider, eligibility workers first confirm that the participant is willing, able, and eligible to participate in SNAP E&T. If the existing provider-participant match does not meet the participant’s needs, the SNAP E&T unit collaborates with the participant to identify a more suitable provider within their county or within a reasonable commuting distance. If no alternative provider opening is available, the SNAP E&T unit refers the participant to the local county eligibility office for a good cause review regarding non-participation for that month. Eligibility staff conduct the good cause determination considering all facts and circumstances, including information from the participant, E&T provider, and employer. The decision is documented in the participant’s case record. Currently, Arkansas operates a fully voluntary SNAP E&T program through March 31, 2026. During this voluntary period, participants who cannot access an appropriate provider due to lack of openings are exempt from mandatory participation and cannot be sanctioned. Beginning April 1, 2026, Arkansas will implement mandatory SNAP work requirements pursuant to federal regulations under 7 CFR § 273.7 and Arkansas Administrative Code 016.20.16-007. Individuals subject to mandatory work rules—including Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—must meet federal and state work participation requirements through SNAP E&T programs or approved alternative work activities, such as employment, community service, job search, or vocational training, to maintain eligibility.