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How many attempts are made to reach out to the SNAP participant for additional information? One Two Three More than three What is the State agency's criteria for good cause? Districts are required to determine if an individual who failed or refused to comply with work requirements had good cause for the failure. The good cause determination is made on a case-by-case basis and must take into account the reasons provided by the individual, along with any other evidence in the district’s possession. Districts must ensure that individuals are given the opportunity to provide an explanation and submit supporting documentation for the period of noncompliance (where the district requests documentation) relative to any claim of good cause and that any information available to the district is considered when determining whether or not the individual’s conduct was willful and without good cause. Districts are required to determine that a recipient’s refusal or failure to comply with a SNAP employment requirement as assigned by the district was both willful and without good cause before imposing a SNAP employment sanction. This requirement was implemented to provide a consistent standard for PA and SNAP program determinations as to when an employment sanction is warranted. Determinations of Willfulness and Good Cause 1. Willfulness - The term “willfulness” for the purpose of imposing an employment sanction is determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration whether the individual, intentionally, knowingly, or deliberately refused or failed to comply with TA or SNAP employment requirements. 2. Good Cause - Good cause exists when there are circumstances which are beyond the individual’s control that prevent the individual from complying with the assigned employment requirement. When the individual notifies the district and furnishes documentation, as may be required by the district, to support any claimed good cause reason for the act or period of noncompliance, the district must record that information in the case record. Examples of good cause reasons for the act or period of noncompliance include, but are not limited to: • Job interview or working at the time of the employment appointment or assigned work activity, • Illness of the individual, • Jury duty, • Illness of another household member requiring the presence of the individual who is subject to the work requirement to be in the home to provide care or service, • Death in the family, • Physical or mental incapacity that prevents compliance, • A household emergency, or • The individual has made a diligent effort to secure childcare, and the district has determined that adequate childcare for a child under the age of 13 is not available. Individuals are responsible for providing documentation for the period of noncompliance (upon the district’s request) to substantiate a claim of good cause. Where requested by the district, the individual must make reasonable attempts to obtain documentation and is required to notify the district timely of any reasons that may impact their ability to provide documentation required by the district. The district must review the information provided and determine whether the information supports a finding of good cause. Examples of suitable documentation to support good cause for the period of noncompliance may include, but are not limited to: 1/29/26, 9:29 AM State Plan NY FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-nyfy26stateplan//index.html 42/312