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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 24 government and were dismissed from their job because of participating in a strike. Participating in a strike means an individual has agreed to cooperate with others to stop work. Participating in a strike is not good cause to refuse to seek or accept employment. 2.7.2.1 Clarifying Information  When determining the eligibility of a household that includes a striker, ESA must consider the applicant’s circumstances on the day prior to the strike.  A SNAP applicant or recipient who goes on strike and is exempt from work registration the day prior to the strike, for a reason not based solely on employment, is not considered to be a striker.  For households with strikers, ESA must determine eligibility at the time of application by comparing the striking member’s income before the strike with the striker’s current income and adding the higher of the two to the current income of nonstriking members during the month of application. To determine eligibility and benefits, ESA must calculate deductions for the month of application using allowable income disregards and deductions.  A participating household with a striker cannot receive an increase in SNAP benefits due to a decrease in income caused by the strike.  Strikers whose households are eligible for benefits must meet work registration requirements unless exempt.  Individuals affected by a strike but not participating in the strike are not considered to be strikers, including in the following situations: − Employees whose workplace is closed by an employer to resist demands of employees (this is referred to as a lockout) − Employees who are unable to work as a result of striking employees − Employees who are not part of the bargaining unit on strike but do not want to cross a picket line due to fear of personal injury or death Legal Authority Household concept (federal): 7 USC § 2012(m)(1), 7 CFR § 273.1

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