823 GOOD CAUSE FOR FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE (FSM)

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Good Cause for Failure to Comply with SNAP Work Requirements  

If an individual has refused or failed to comply with SNAP work requirements, the Department must determine if there was good cause by considering information submitted by the individual and/or by the employer.

Good cause includes circumstances beyond the individual’s control, such as, but not limited to:

·         illness;

·         illness of another household member requiring the presence of the individual;

·         a household emergency;

·         the unavailability of transportation; or

·         the lack of adequate child care for children who have reached age six but are under age 12.  

See FSM 315.03, Good Cause for Voluntary Quit, for a list of acceptable good cause reasons for leaving a job.

Good Cause for Failure to Meet ABAWD Work Requirements

If the ABAWD would have worked 80 hours in a month, but missed work for good cause, the ABAWD can be considered to have met the ABAWD work requirement if the absence from work is temporary and the ABAWD retained his or her job. Good cause includes circumstances beyond the ABAWD’s control, such as, but not limited to:

·         illness of the individual;

·         illness of another household member serious enough to require the presence of the individual;

·         a household emergency; or

·         unavailability of transportation.

The ABAWD must provide proof of the good cause reason for failure to meet the ABAWD work requirements. Bring to the attention of the District Office Supervisor, or other designated individual, any good cause situation which is questionable prior to making a decision. Final authority for whether the ABAWD has met a good cause reason for failure to meet ABAWD work requirements rests with the District Office Supervisor.

SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) Program

Participation in the SNAP E&T Program is optional so good cause reasons for failure to participate in the voluntary program are not applicable.

References: 7 CFR 273.7(e)(5); 7 CFR 273.7(i); 7 CFR 273.24(b)(2)