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Reasonable and Necessary Supportive Payments. An allowable supportive payment is considered "reasonable and necessary" if it's the kind of expense a prudent person in similar circumstances would spend and is directly related to the client’s participation in the EF program. That is: ● It directly supports the client's ability to participate in EF activities reflected in their ISP. ● It is what someone would normally pay in the same situation. ● The cost is in line with similar program expenses. ● It is an allowable expense reflected in the EF PO's annual plan and EF State Plan. ● It is not an ongoing expense, but instead, is used to help a client stabilize and engage in EF and is reasonable and necessary to participate in the program.

All issued supportive payments must have a case comment explaining how the supportive payment is reasonable and necessary for the individual to participate in the EF program.

If you are not sure if a requested supportive payment is reasonable and necessary, please contact your Partner Liaison to discuss the request prior to issuing the payment.

Supportive Payment Documentation. Documentation must clearly demonstrate the supportive payment’s purpose and direct link to the client’s EF activity or employment goal.

Documentation must also include: ● the client's name ● type of payment ● amount of the payment to whom the service was paid ● receipt of the payment ● date that the supportive payment was provided, and, if applicable, date that the supportive payment was paid

EF POs must record all documentation information, including method of disbursement, in CBMS case comments and on the CBMS (Inside or Outside) Supportive Payments screen to ensure accurate tracking of expenditures within the EF program. ● Inside Supportive Payments tab: For payments issued to a client’s EBT card. ● Outside Supportive Payments tab: For payments issued outside of a client’s EBT card.

EF POs must also retain documentation of receipt, such as client acknowledgment in case comments, vendor invoice, or proof of purchase, to verify that the supportive payment was provided and received. ● If using a receipt form (Resource K) to document that the client received the supportive payment, the receipt form should: ○ Be signed by both the client and the staff member of the organization Last updated: July 9, 2026

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