Regaining Eligibility

If otherwise eligible, a client regains Basic Food benefits when they complete their penalty period.

A disqualified client is treated as an ineligible household member. See INCOME

For a one person household, the client must reapply for benefits. A household of two or more will have the client's portion of benefits restored.

Ending a Disqualification When a Client Becomes Exempt During the Penalty Period

A disqualification ends and the client may again receive benefits effective the first of the month following report of the change when the client becomes exempt during the penalty phase.

Examples for AUs receiving Basic Food while an adult is in a BF Work Registration penalty period:

Example 1 : Tessa is in a BF work requirement penalty period and, begins attending school, becomes responsible for caring for a child under age six, or meets another Basic Food Work Registration exemption. Tessa can begin receiving Basic Food again, if otherwise eligible, effective the first of the month following the reported change. Update Tessa’s Work Registration Details in ACES Case Actions with the new status in the ongoing month.

Example 2 : Ellery is in WorkFirst sanction. They agree to a new IRP and begin to participate during their second BF work requirement penalty period. This changes Ellery’s status to exempt due to participating in a cash program even if the full WF sanction period has not been served. The BF disqualification will end and, if otherwise eligible, Ellery may receive benefits effective the first of the month after the change.