IM-65 March 28, 2019; IM-118 September 11, 2017; IM-51 August 31, 2016; IM-94 October 19, 2015; IM-32 June 16, 2014; IM-08 January 14, 2008; IM-133 December 21, 2004; IM-194 October 24, 2001; IM-32 April 1, 1999
A month in which the ABAWD receives a full month’s Food Stamp benefits in any state while not meeting the 18- through 49-year-old work requirement, is defined as a non-work month. A month in which benefits are prorated, after receiving 3 non-work months at a full benefit, is considered a non-work month. The individual may receive Food Stamp benefits in three non-work months in a 36-month fixed period. ABAWDs must be denied if the three non-work months of benefits have been received, regardless of a prorated month of benefits, until eligibility is regained.
NOTE: On the Training/Work Requirements (FMMR) screen enter a “Y” if they have answered yes to “Have you or will you have worked or participated in a work program for 80 hours in a 30-day period”. If they are eligible for expedite benefits, they will receive expedited benefits. Hard Copy (HC) verification for proof of regained eligibility will need to be provided before ongoing months are approved.
Example: Mr. Smith received 3 non-work months in 2016 (June, July and August) and the case is now closed. Mr. Smith re-applies January 15, 2017. He claims to have worked enough to regain Food Stamp eligibility. Therefore, enter a “Y” on the Training/Work Requirement (FMMR) screen. If Mr. Smith’s situations meets the criteria for expedited benefits, he is allowed to be expedited without verification. To receive ongoing benefits, Mr. Smith will need to provide verification of regained eligibility.
All non-work months, in which an ABAWD receives a full month’s Food Stamp benefits including non-work months used in another state, are entered and tracked in FAMIS. Non-work months are entered on the Training/Work Requirements (WORKREQ/FMMR) screen. Refer to the Adding and Updating Training/Work Requirements user guide.
The Training/Work Requirements (WORKREQ/FMMR) screen does not appear in the controlled flow when the:
- ABAWD is a member of an eligibility unit that includes a child under age 18; exempt from work registration; or
- EU member is coded Work registration exclusion 05 (temporary mental or physical disability expected to last 60 days) or 11 (pregnant);
FAMIS flows to the Training/Work Requirements (WORKREQ/FMMR) screen during the application controlled flow for all EU members who must meet the work requirement. Manually access and update the Training/Work Requirement (WORKREQ/FMMR) screen for mid-certification reviews and reported changes.
If the hours worked or participated in a qualifying training program are different than the projected hours used to determine non-work months, add or delete non-work months based on the verified hours.