Page 19
SCREENING FOR WORK REGISTRATION State agency eligibility staff must screen for federal exemptions from work registration, per 7 CFR 273.7(a). Describe how the State agency screens applicants to determine if they are work registrants. DoHS screens all SNAP recipients for SNAP work requirements at application and redetermination. Eligibility staff receive regular training on how to best identify who must complete SNAP work requirements, including screening for exemptions and fitness for employment. Questions regarding fitness for employment are built into the eligibility interview. DoHS practices “ask the next question” to assist clients in reporting information to the agency that may determine if an exemption exists. “Ask the next question” is an interview technique that assists DoHS to better serve our clients. Individuals required to meet SNAP work requirements are referred to WorkForce WV for job service within the eligibility system. When the referral is made a Workforce registration letter is mailed to the client informing them, they have 30 days to register to maintain eligibility. There are many ways for a SNAP participant to be registered for job service, if the individual has internet access, they can self-register at https://macc.workforcewv.org. If the individual is unable to register themselves, they can call 1800-252-JOBS for assistance, or contact a local DoHS office. Both WDB and Job Developer staff have access to register a job seeker in the MACC. The MACC is a database of registered job seekers and employers through WorkForce WV. The MACC works to connect job seekers with careers for which they qualify. The MACC is the largest online database of job seekers in the state of West Virginia. DoHS works diligently with Workforce WV to ensure eligibility workers have access to assist job seekers. 150 eligibility workers statewide can assist work registrants in meeting their job seeker requirement. After the specified registration period eligibility staff receive a worker alert in the eligibility system that tells the worker to evaluate SNAP eligibility. The worker then checks the Workforce registration link for a return registration date in real time. If a return registration date is received the individual maintains SNAP eligibility; if no return registration date populates the individual will receive a SNAP closure or decrease letter after advance notice of adverse action. To assist with this process, the Division of Professional Development created a SNAP Work requirement(s) screening tool that was distributed to eligibility staff for use during the SNAP interview process beginning February 2025. This screening tool demonstrates the flow of questions asked during the application or review. Questions correlate with the screen on which the information is located in PATH. The flow chart also details what to do in various circumstances, such as when exemptions are being claimed, how to explain the E&T program best, and how to proceed once a client expresses that they would like to participate in the program. The guide was created as a method to help eligibility workers navigate the work requirement process, while also aiming to increase accuracy during the application process. How does the State agency work register non-exempt individuals? The state uses the CWN-1 (Consolidated Work Notice) to notify non-exempt individuals of their requirement to register as a job seeker with Workforce WV. The CWN-1 also explains qualified exemptions to individuals who may need to report an exemption to the agency. The agency receives an alert in the eligibility system when the due date for registration has expired. The agency then checks the Workforce WV link to determine if the SNAP recipient has registered as a job seeker. The Workforce MACC system batches information daily to the eligibility system regarding work registration. Workforce Development Boards, Job Developers and county SNAP certification staff have access to assist SNAP recipients to register as job seekers. 1/29/26, 10:31 AM State Plan WV FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-wvfy26stateplan//index.html 19/119