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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. The individuals would need to be unemployed and or looking for better employment, or must be out-of-school and at least 16 years of age, and be interested and willing to participate in gaining employment and training skills. Eligibility staff play a crucial role in determining participant suitability. They assess applicants based on their geographical location, reviewing their SNAP application and conducting interviews to discuss employment history, needs, interests, experiences, and educational backgrounds. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine if it is appropriate to refer individuals to the State's SNAP E&T program, in accordance with state-specific eligibility criteria. This process ensures that referrals are made to individuals who are most likely to benefit from and succeed in the SNAP E&T program, aligning with both federal and state guidelines. What information does the State provide to a SNAP recipient to explain SNAP E&T participation criteria? The State provides SNAP recipients with comprehensive information to explain SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) participation criteria at multiple stages of the eligibility and referral process. At the time of SNAP application and recertification, eligibility workers screen individuals to determine their appropriateness for SNAP E&T. Individuals are informed both orally and through a consolidated written notice about the voluntary nature of the program, their rights and responsibilities, and available supports such as participant reimbursements. The written notice also explains that participating in SNAP E&T is free and will not affect their SNAP benefits unless they are receiving subsidized wages. During the eligibility interview, individuals who meet the screening criteria—such as being 16 or older, unemployed, underemployed, or out of school—are offered the opportunity to volunteer for the program. If they choose to participate, they are asked about their interests and matched with program models that align with their goals (e.g., culinary training, GED preparation, vocational training). Once referred to a SNAP E&T provider, participants receive additional information during intake and orientation, including details about assessments, available training components, participation expectations, and access to supportive services. Overall, the State ensures that SNAP recipients are clearly informed about the program’s voluntary status, participation requirements, available services, and the benefits of engaging in SNAP E&T. How does the State document that the information has been provided? The State of Louisiana documents that SNAP E&T participation information has been provided to recipients through multiple integrated systems and procedural steps. Eligibility System Documentation (LITE): During the SNAP application or recertification interview, eligibility workers conduct the E&T screening using mandatory prompts within the LITE eligibility system. These prompts capture the applicant’s or recipient’s interest in participating, program model preferences, and exemption status. Once completed, the system records the screening results, date, and worker ID, and automatically generates a referral task to SNAP Works when applicable. 1/29/26, 8:19 AM State Plan LA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-lafy26stateplan//index.html 24/115