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Screening and Referral Documentation. EF POs and SNAP eligibility workers are required to enter CBMS case comments to document all steps in the screening and referral process, including all communication.

When an eligibility worker refers a client to EF and the client connects with the EF PO, the EF PO updates the client’s EF program status to “EF - Referred” and documents a CBMS case comment.

If an EF PO accepts the referral and the client successfully enrolls in EF, the EF PO updates the client’s program status to “EF - Enrolled.” However, if the client chooses not to participate in EF, the EF PO keeps the program status as “EF - Referred” and changes the radio button (“Active EF Participant”) to “No.” Reference the EF Data Entry Desk Aid and the Employment First Referral Status Memo for more details.

Finally, the screening and referral process includes multiple steps that, when executed properly, ensure that SNAP and Employment First funding streams are used at different stages of the process. To ensure this occurs, please note that EF POs are not responsible for: 1. Determining exemptions for EF clients, including ABAWDs. 2. Application of discretionary or federal waiver exemptions. 3. Entering or correcting accrued ABAWD countable months. 4. Providing clients with SNAP work requirement rights and responsibilities information.

Provider Determination (PD)

A SNAP applicant/recipient may receive a provider determination (PD) when the EF PO does not offer the activity or service to which the client was referred, does not offer the client’s desired supportive payments, or the client does not have the skills required for the activity. For example, an individual is interested in obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL); however, the EF PO only offers training in the healthcare industry. Before making a PD, the EF PO must put forth a good-faith effort to work with the client to consider engaging in other program activities, updating the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), or exploring other supportive payment options that may assist the client.

Within 10 calendar days of making the PD, the EF PO must notify the client that a PD is being made and the reason why. Within the same 10-day period, the EF PO must also inform the local county’s SNAP eligibility team of the PD through a phone call, email, or other written communication (such as a form or through a county’s work management system) with a brief description of the PD.

Please note that it is a shared responsibility between the EF PO and SNAP eligibility team to develop and document shared business and communication processes to ensure timely and efficient communication when a PD is made. Maintaining a working relationship between the two is essential for timely communication.

Last updated: July 9, 2026

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