Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or addiction dependency which negatively impacts the individual’s fitness to work, even if not enrolled in a treatment program.

Mental illness, disorder, or health condition including but not limited to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anger or emotional outbursts.

Homelessness: Chronic (long term homelessness typically accompanied with a disabling condition), episodic (3 or more periods of homelessness within the past 12 months), transitional (a result of a major life change or catastrophic event), and hidden (couch hopping/lack of a fixed and regular nighttime residence). Unhoused people generally lack adequate resources and support and experience violence, abuse, and exploitation. During periods of homelessness many lack work-related necessities such as showers, transportation and storage for personal items which are generally required to be job ready and successful in employment. Because of this, they meet this exemption.

Domestic violence including but not limited to physical, emotional, psychological abuse and stalking or harassment. An experience of domestic violence may indicate that the individual is obviously unfit for work. The individual’s statement is sufficient verification unless questionable.

Responsible for the care of another person
Individuals responsible for caring for a person meeting one of the criteria below are exempt from SNAP work rules. The person requiring the care does not need to be in the same SNAP unit or in the same home as the caregiver. The client’s statement serves as verification unless questionable. Follow the guidelines below:

Caring for a person who has a physical or mental illness, injury, or disability. Verification of the illness, injury, or disability is not required unless questionable. CASE/NOTE who requires the care.

Caring for a child under 6 years of age, even if childcare is available. Only 1 SNAP unit member may use this exemption for the same child unless special circumstances require more than one caregiver. If more than one SNAP unit member needs to use this exemption, document in CASE/NOTEs the circumstances that require multiple caregivers. When the child is NOT in the home of the caregiver, CASE/NOTE the child’s name and birthdate. For shared custody situations, regardless of parenting time, this exemption is allowed only when the child is not already included in another SNAP unit. If the child turns 6 during the certification period, review if the caregiver meets another exemption. If they do not, continue this exemption until the end of their certification period.

Age

Allow this exemption to any individual that meets the age requirements listed below:

Age 60 or older.

Under the age of 16.

Age 16 or 17 living with a parent or caregiver. A person not living with a parent or caregiver can still receive this exemption if they are attending school or enrolled in an employment training program at least part-time. If the recipient turns 18 during the certification period, review if they meet another exemption. If they do not, they are no longer exempt from the general work rules for SNAP starting the month after they turn 18.

Employed or Self-Employed

Allow this exemption for individuals employed or self-employed and meet one of the criteria below. Verification of wages and hours are required. Accept the self-employed individual’s statement as verification of hours worked.

Working at least 30 hours per week, regardless of wage level, OR

Earning equal to or more than 30 hours per week at federal minimum wage, regardless of actual hours worked.

Receiving Additional Benefits

Allow this exemption for individuals that are receiving one of the programs listed below:

Unemployment Insurance (UI). A person who has applied for but is not yet receiving UI is also exempt if they are complying with the work requirements of the application process. Assist the client in obtaining proof of receipt of UI or proof of application and compliance with work requirements. If you are unable to obtain verification, recipients must provide proof.

Matching Grant Program. This exemption is available to refugees receiving this program. For more information, see Matching Grant Program in 0002.39 (Glossary: Lump Sum…).

MFIP or DWP. To receive this exemption, the recipient must be in compliance with the Employment Services requirement for these programs.

Program Participation

Allow this exemption for any individual participating in schooling or any of the programs listed below:

Enrolled in school at least half-time. Half-time is defined by the school the person is enrolled at. This includes high school, a recognized training program or an Institution of Higher Education (IHE). For students attending IHE, they must meet eligibility for SNAP under the student criteria listed in 0011.18 (Students).

Participating regularly in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. There is no minimum weekly amount of time that a person must be attending. If the person is following the treatment and rehabilitation program plan, the exemption is available.

This exemption does not include participants in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Documentation

Documentation in CASE/NOTEs is required when exempting an individual from work rules. Note the circumstances that describe how the individual meets an exemption and if the exemption is obvious or the verifications used. Also, clearly CASE/NOTE when an exemption is applied based on your own observation or information obtained in conversation with the unit.