2.1 FSET and FoodShare Eligibility

All individuals who are aged 16 and older and eligible for FoodShare benefits are eligible to participate in FSET.

The income maintenance (IM) agency is responsible for taking the following actions relating to FoodShare eligibility:

Determine FoodShare Eligibility and ABAWD Status and Referral Type
IM workers are responsible for determining FoodShare eligibility, determining ABAWD status, and referring FoodShare members to the FSET program. ABAWDs may choose to meet the FoodShare work requirement through participation in FSET. Non-ABAWDs and ABAWDs with a Non-Time Limited Benefit (TLB) referral type may participate in FSET, but do not need to meet the FoodShare work requirement. See Section 6.3 FSET Participation Requirements for more information on ABAWD status and FSET participation.
Determine Exemptions from the FoodShare Work Requirement
IM workers have primary responsibility for determining exemptions from the FoodShare work requirement. However, FSET workers must understand the criteria for exemptions from the FoodShare work requirement and be aware of changes in participant's circumstances that may qualify the individual for an exemption. FSET workers may identify that an individual qualifies for an exemption from the FoodShare work requirement once they begin working with a participant. When an exemption is identified, the FSET worker must notify the IM agency of the exemption. If the IM agency determines that the exemption is questionable, the FSET worker must help with verifying the exemption.

For more information on exemptions from the FoodShare work requirement, see Section 6.2.1 Non-ABAWD.
Provide FSET Information to FoodShare Applicants and Members
IM workers are responsible for providing information about the FSET program to all FoodShare applicants and members during the FoodShare interview process at application and renewal, including:
- Explaining the benefits of the FSET program including a brief overview of the available employment and training opportunities and supportive services.
- Explaining how the FSET program can help an ABAWD meet the monthly FoodShare work requirement, in order to maintain ongoing FoodShare benefits.
- Asking ABAWDs meeting the work requirement, ABAWDs with a non-TLB referral type, and non-ABAWDs if they would like to be referred to the FSET program.

This page last updated in Release Number: 25-02
Release Date: 08/13/2025
Effective Date: 08/13/2025