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PROGRAM CHANGES Summarize changes for the upcoming Federal fiscal year (FY) from the prior FY. Significant changes may include new initiatives, changes in funding or funding sources, policy changes, or significant changes to the number of partners or participants. Significant changes could include those made as a result of management evaluation findings or participation in program improvement initiatives, such as SNAP to Skills. It is not necessary to include changes made as a result of new Federal rulemaking. Montana will be adding on new third-party partnerships throughout FFY2026 to enhance stability and sustainability in funding. The six-month time limit for participation from previous state plans will be eliminated in FFY2026. The monthly time requirement for non-ABAWDS will be reduced from 80 hours to 12 hours monthly in FFY2026. Additionally, participant reimbursement caps will be raised specifically for education-related activities. Highlight any changes from above that the State agency is making to the E&T program based on the prior year’s performance, for instance changes made as a result of E&T outcome and participation data. The six-month time limit for participation from previous state plans will be eliminated in FFY2026 to encourage increased participation in educational programs, many of which are longer than 6 months. The monthly time requirement for non-ABAWDS will be reduced from 80 hours to 12 hours monthly to reduce barriers to participation among non-ABAWDS who want to participate and improve their self-sufficiency. Additionally, as a way to encourage participation in education-related activities leading to higher wages, education-related participant reimbursement caps will be raised specifically for the vocational component to align with increased costs for tuition, certifications, etc. 1/29/26, 8:17 AM State Plan MT FY26 - Amendment 1 https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-mtfy26stateplan//index.html 4/103