245.07 Determining the 36 Month and 3 Month Periods of Eligibility SR 96-58, 02/97 (FSM-A)

• The 36 month period is a fixed period of time beginning with the first month of eligibility or December 1996, whichever is later.

• The 36 month "count" continues whether or not the individual receives food stamps.

• A new 36 month period begins the month after the previous 36 month period ends.

Example

An ABAWD individual first receives food stamps May 1997. The 36 month period ends April 30, 2000. The next 36 month period begins May 2000.

• If an individual is not exempt from ABAWD work participation requirements, review their benefit, work and training history for the preceding months beginning no earlier than 12/1/96 to determine if they have received stamps for 3 or more months during which they were not fulfilling ABAWD work participation requirements in the current 36 month period.

• Non-exempt individuals who have received food stamps while not satisfying ABAWD work participation requirements must be closed effective the end date of the 3rd month or receipt.

Exception: Individuals who verify participation beginning in the 3rd month are considered "job attached," and may be recertified for one month.