Page 25

SCREENING FOR REFERRAL TO E&T The State agency must screen each work registrant to determine if it is appropriate, based on State-specific criteria, to refer them to the E&T program per 7 CFR 273.7 (c)(2). State agencies may operate program components in which individuals elect to participate, per 7 CFR 273.7(e)(4). List the State-specific criteria eligibility workers use to screen individuals to determine if it is appropriate to refer them to the State's SNAP E&T program. Eligibility staff in Idaho use the following state-specific criteria to determine whether it is appropriate to refer a non-exempt SNAP participant to the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program. These criteria help assess the participant’s current ability to successfully engage in E&T activities: Housing Stability: A SNAP participant is considered to lack reliable housing if they are homeless, couch surfing, sleeping in a vehicle, staying with friends or family on a temporary basis, or at risk of homelessness. Access to Childcare: Participants are considered to lack reliable and consistent access to childcare if there are no available providers in their area, no openings with local providers, or if providers are unwilling to enroll the child due to behavioral concerns. Transportation Availability: A participant is considered to lack reliable transportation if they reside in a remote area with no access to public or private transportation, or if they require a specialty vehicle and do not have consistent access to one. Legal Barriers: Individuals may be temporarily inappropriate for referral if they have unresolved legal issues, such as pending trials, upcoming court dates, active warrants, or parole/probation requirements that interfere with their ability to seek or maintain employment. Other Person Obstacles: Any other significant self-reported or observed obstacles that may prevent successful participation in E&T are considered during the screening process. Eligibility workers apply these criteria consistently through a standardized interview workflow to ensure only those participants who are both required and ready to engage with E&T are referred to the program. What information does the State provide to a SNAP recipient to explain SNAP E&T participation criteria? The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) follows 7 CFR 273.7 for providing oral and written notification to SNAP recipients regarding E&T participation criteria. When the IBES eligibility system identifies a SNAP applicant or recipient as a work registrant, and state staff determine that E&T participation is appropriate, the following steps are taken: 1. Oral Notification – State staff verbally inform the individual of their work registration status and potential E&T participation requirements using a standardized script. This script outlines the participant’s responsibilities, what to expect from the E&T program, and available supports. 2. Written Notification – A Consolidated Work Requirements Notice is mailed to the primary household member, confirming their status and outlining work requirements under SNAP policy. 3. Contractor Outreach – The E&T contractor, Maximus, initiates contact with the individual by mail or email, encouraging engagement and providing initial instructions. 4. Welcome Packet – Maximus sends each referred participant a welcome packet that explains the purpose of SNAP E&T, participation requirements, next steps, and available services. 1/28/26, 11:54 AM State Plan ID FY26 - Amendment 1 https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-idfy26stateplan//index.html 25/100