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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WORK REQUIREMENT

10/25 VOLUME V, PART XV, PAGE 1

A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

All individuals, able to work, must be working or actively engaged in a work activity to receive SNAP benefits. Unless an exemption to the work requirement exists, individuals may receive SNAP benefits for only three months during a 36-month period. Individuals must be evaluated for exemptions as allowed in Part XV.B. After the initial three-month period (Y1 benefits), an individual may receive benefits through a Special Exemption (E9) to allow certification up to six months. Special Exemption E9 months may also extend the certification period to six months for households with members who regain eligibility (Y2 benefits), as allowed in Part XV.C. The E9 allowance does not apply when an individual’s status changes during an established certification period. After the initial and regained benefit months (Y1, Y2) have been exhausted, an individual may receive benefits only if there is an exemption to the work requirement.

To receive SNAP benefits beyond three months, a nonexempt able-bodied household member must:

1. work for cash wages in any amount or for in-kind goods or services for 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly;

2. participate in and comply with requirements of an employment services program operated by the Department of Social Services, other than job search, for 20 hours or more per week or for the number of hours assigned for the work experience component as calculated by the household's allotment divided by the federal minimum wage;

3. participate in and comply with non-departmental (VDSS) work programs for 20 hours or more per week;

4. serve in an unpaid, volunteer capacity for a public or private agency, at a minimum, for the number of hours that is equal to the household's allotment divided by the federal minimum wage; or

5. any combination of these activities.

If the member was unable to work, as described above, and is able to show good cause, the member will meet the work requirement as long as the absence is temporary and the member retains the job.

The 36-month period is a fixed period from the first of the month in which a household containing an individual between 18 and 65 years of age is certified in Virginia. The 36-month period will begin and continue for any household member who is at least 18 and under 65 years of age, even if an exemption from the work requirement exists for that member at the time of certification or other case action. Tracking must be completed for all individuals within the age range, even when they are exempt.

Any month in which an affected individual receives the full benefit month as part of a certified household will count toward the three-month limit.

TRANSMITTAL #36