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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: FS 20 Individuals denied eligibility for food stamps after receiving benefits for three time-limited months in the designated 36-month period without meeting an exemption may regain eligibility for food stamps if during a 30-day period prior to applying, the individual does one of the following:

1. works 80 hours or more; or 2. participates in and complies with the requirements of a work program for 80 hours or more

An individual who regains eligibility for food stamps shall remain eligible, as long as the recipient continues to meet the ABAWD work provisions, or they meet an exemption.

An individual required to comply with the able-bodied provisions who regains eligibility, and then no longer meets the requirements under this provision, shall remain eligible for a consecutive three-month period beginning with the date the individual notifies the eligibility specialist of the change in their circumstances or reapplies. The receipt of a second three-month food stamp period (bonus months) is allowed only once during the 36-month period. 1410.1807 Bonus Months under the ABAWD Provisions (FS) ABAWDs can receive an additional three months of eligibility if they have exhausted their three time limited months, regained eligibility through work, and are no longer fulfilling the work requirement. These are called the bonus months. Bonus months must be used consecutively and can only be used once in the three-year period. If the ABAWD is a current food stamp recipient and loses employment or their work hours fall below 80 hours monthly, the three consecutive bonus months of eligibility will begin when the individual notifies the Department that they are no longer meeting the ABAWD work requirements.

Bonus months will begin with the first full month of food stamps following the month they notify us. If the ABAWD was participating with CareerSource, the three consecutive bonus months will begin when the Department is notified that the ABAWD is no longer in compliance. If the ABAWD is not currently receiving food stamp, eligibility must first be regained prior to becoming eligible for use of bonus months. The use of bonus months must be recorded on the tracking screen (ARFS) and CLRC. While receiving bonus months, an ABAWD may become noncompliant with CareerSource and receive a sanction. The sanction for noncompliance will cancel out any remaining bonus months. Once the three consecutive bonus months have been used, an ABAWD must meet the ABAWD work requirements or have an exemption in order to receive food stamps for the remaining three-year period.

Note: Bonus months only apply to individuals who have regained eligibility through work. 1410.1900 EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING (FS) Certain individuals who are not exempt must register and/or participate in SNAP E&T or work activities. Individuals who are not in the benefit calculation are not subject to these requirements. At application and recertification, staff must discuss possible exemptions for a deferral from participation.

For paper applications, provide the household with Food Stamp Work Registration Notice CF-ES 2095 with the names of all mandatory AG members. If the mandatory AG member is not the member completing the interview, explain work requirements and provide the form with the mandatory members’ names to the member completing the interview. 1410.1904 Determination of Participation Status (FS) Determine the participation status of each individual in the AG prior to approval of the application. Complete work registration and refer individuals to participate by providing the Food Stamp Work Registration Notice CF-ES 2095 and by entering the referral code on the electronic case. At