Page 5

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. OTDA is in the process of transitioning NY’s SNAP E&T Program to a voluntary model. Under this model, the agency will continue supporting local SNAP E&T operations by providing each district with an annual 100% SNAP E&T funding allocation which will be used to fully reimburse SNAP E&T eligible administrative costs. Additionally, federal 50% SNAP E&T funds will be available to districts to reimburse 50% of SNAP E&T eligible expenditures associated with serving eligible SNAP participants. The key stages of the transition from a mandatory to a voluntary SNAP E&T program are: • Stage 1: Planning and Preparation • Stage 2: Regulatory Changes • Stage 3: Updating Client Notices • Stage 4: Systems Changes • Stage 5: Training and Development • Stage 6: Communication and Outreach • Stage 7: Program Launch and Monitoring • Stage 8: Continuous Improvement Following an approval by OTDA’s Senior Leadership, the SNAP E&T Policy Team developed a plan to implement the transition. We are in the process of revising State regulations to align with program operations under a voluntary model. We have also drafted an Administrative Directive to inform districts of the transition, updated forms and client notices to eliminate language related to mandatory participation in SNAP E&T activities and to highlight the benefits of engaging in the SNAP E&T program, developed a webinar in collaboration with PDP to provide an overview of the transition to district staff, coordinated required systems changes with OTDA and HRA systems personnel, and updated training presentations to familiarize district staff with the voluntary model. We are also in the process of planning the development of a webpage to serve as a resource for individuals who are interested in engaging in SNAP E&T on a voluntary basis. The timing of this transition will be dependent on regulation adoption but is anticipated during FY26. 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. OTDA continues to conduct performance monitoring and promote an environment that generates opportunities for local workforce partnerships and fosters continuous program improvement. As part of this process, OTDA is implementing a significant policy shift to transition NY’s SNAP E&T Program to a voluntary model. 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 5/312