Time-limited recipients (TLRs) may earn additional months of SNAP eligibility when they work or participate in countable activities a minimum of 80 hours per month. For each month that the person works or participates in countable activities at this level, the person earns a month of SNAP benefits. These do not have to be consecutive months. For more information on TLRs, see 6.6 (TIME-LIMITED RECIPIENTS (TLRs)).

Some TLRs may choose to enroll in SNAP E&T with the intent of finding employment quickly, and may only need job search assistance, while others may choose to participate in countable activities, earning additional months of SNAP benefits. It is important to have a conversation with all TLRs to determine which path they want to choose, and case note their choice. For TLRs choosing to meet the minimum monthly work requirement, the Employment Plan (EP) must include the number of hours that are anticipated to be spent in each activity. Use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training Plan (DHS-6020), or similar, especially for TLRs choosing to meet the work requirement.

Participation hours ONLY need to be recorded for TLRs that are on the path to earn additional months of SNAP benefits by meeting the 80 hour per month minimum work requirement. These hours must be recorded in WF1 after the hours have been completed, not just anticipated. Each month that a participant meets the minimum work requirement, the provider must report this to the county or tribal human services office by the 10th of following month. It is not necessary to provide verification of participation hours in SNAP E&T. See the Participation Hours User Guide, found in Workforce One (WF1), for specific information on how to enter hours in WF1.

SNAP E&T activities that are countable on their own include all educational programs, all work experience activities, Workfare, and Self-Employment Training. Any combination of these activities also counts toward the 80 hour per month minimum. For information on each of these activities, see Activities Guide.

SNAP E&T activities that are not countable on their own include Supervised Job Search and Job Search Training. If combining Supervised Job Search or Job Search Training in order to meet the work requirement, 51% or more of the time must be spent in:

· A SNAP E&T activity other than Supervised Job Search or Job Search Training

· Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

· The Trade Adjustment Assistance program

· A program of employment and training for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs (this does not include Jobs for Veterans),

· Paid employment

· Volunteering

If the TLR would have fulfilled their work requirement, but missed some hours due to circumstances beyond the participant’s control, the participant shall be considered to have fulfilled the work requirement if the absence from the activity is temporary. For example, a participant enrolled in career/technical education or vocational training who misses class due to circumstances that are outside of their control would not need to make up those hours.