Page 41

State Plan AR FY26 - Original Submission Page of 41 112 PROVIDER DETERMINATIONS In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(18) a State agency must ensure that E&T providers are informed of their authority and responsibility to determine if an individual is ill-suited for a particular E&T component. Describe the process used by E&T providers to communicate provider determinations to the State agency. The communication process begins when providers receive electronic referrals via the SNAP Works system. Upon determining that a participant is not a good fit, the provider completes a Provider Determination task electronically, which is instantly transmitted back to the State Agency on the same day. Eligibility staff then review the provider determination and initiate next steps within ten days of receiving the task. This determination is recorded and saved in SNAP Works, triggering a corresponding task in ARIES for eligibility staff, which includes all details documented by the provider. During the assessment process, all SNAP E&T providers are required to evaluate whether participants are a good fit for their specific program using SNAP Works. Providers must answer the mandatory question, “Is the client a good fit for the organization?” by selecting “Yes” or “No.” If “No” is selected, eligibility staff are automatically notified and receive a task on their dashboard. Providers are required to document the rationale for their determination and any relevant information in the case notes section of SNAP Works. Describe how the State agency notifies clients of a provider determination. Notification Process for Provider Determinations When a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) provider determines that a participant is not a good fit for their program, the provider must notify the State agency within 10 calendar days of the determination, explaining the reasons for the decision, as required under 7 CFR § 273.7(c)(18)(i). Upon receiving this notification, the State agency must notify the participant within 10 calendar days. The notification to the participant must: Clearly explain the provider determination and the reasons for it; Outline the next steps the participant should expect; Inform the participant that their SNAP benefits will not be affected by this determination; For participants subject to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limits, explain that countable months toward the time limit will begin the next full benefit month unless the participant meets work requirements, claims good cause, or qualifies for an exemption; Provide contact information for the agency to address any participant questions or concerns. The notification may be delivered verbally or in writing, but the State agency must document the date and method of notification in the participant’s case record. Additionally, no later than the participant’s next recertification, the State agency must take one of the following actions to ensure the participant continues to engage in suitable services (7 CFR § 273.7(c)(18)(i)(B)): Re-screen the participant and refer them to an appropriate SNAP E&T provider to determine correct component;