2.2 IM Agency Responsibilities

The income maintenance (IM) agency is responsible for taking the following actions related to eligibility for both FoodShare (FS) and FSET:

Determine FS Eligibility and ABAWD Status

IM workers are responsible for determining both FS eligibility and ABAWD status. FSET participation requirements differ based on an individual’s ABAWD status, so FSET workers must understand how ABAWD status is determined and be aware of how changes in this status impact FSET participation requirements. Non-ABAWDs and exempt ABAWDs may participate voluntarily in FSET, but do not need to meet the ABAWD work requirement. For more information on FSET participation requirement based on ABAWD status, see section 6.3 of this handbook.

Determine Exemptions from the ABAWD Work Requirement

IM workers have primary responsibility for determining and verifying ABAWD exemptions. However, because FSET participation requirements differ based on exemption status, FSET workers must understand ABAWD exemptions and be aware of changes in participants’ ABAWD exemption status. FSET workers may also identify that an individual qualifies for an ABAWD exemption once they begin working with a participant. When an ABAWD exemption is identified, the FSET worker should contact the IM agency to notify them of the exemption and work with the participant to initiate the process of verifying the exemption.

For more information on exemptions from the ABAWD work requirement, see section 6.2.2 of this handbook.

Provide FSET Information to FS Applicants and Members

IM workers are responsible for providing information about the FSET program to both non-exempt ABAWDs and other FS applicants or members during the FS interview process (at application and renewal), including:

- Providing an overview of the various employment and training opportunities that are available through the FSET program, as well as available support systems to assist them while they participate.
- Explaining how the FSET program can help a non-exempt ABAWD meet the monthly work requirement, in order to maintain ongoing FS benefits.
- Explaining that in order to maintain ongoing FS benefits, a non-exempt ABAWD must be enrolled and fully participating in FSET by the 10th day of the third time-limited benefit (TLB) month.
- Explaining the availability of child care and transportation assistance during the individual’s participation in FSET, and directing him/her to the appropriate child care agency to apply for child care assistance during FSET enrollment and on-going participation in the FSET program.
- Advising current FSET participants that supportive services may be reduced in the event of program non-participation.

The IM worker may also provide FSET program information to FS members at any time, not just during application and renewal.

This page last updated in Release Number: 15-01

Release Date: 02/06/15

Effective Date: 02/06/15