18-01 Version of 2.1 FSET and FoodShare Eligibility

All individuals who are over the age of 16 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
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 ABAWD work requirement through participation in FSET. Non-ABAWDs may participate in FSET, but do not need to meet the ABAWD work requirement. See the FSET Handbook 6.3 FSET Participation Requirements for more information on ABAWD status and FSET participation.
Determine Exemptions from the ABAWD Work Requirement
IM workers have primary responsibility for determining and verifying ABAWD exemptions. However, FSET workers must understand ABAWD exemptions and be aware of changes in participants’ ABAWD exemptions. FSET workers may 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 must notify the IM agency 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 the FSET Handbook 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 ABAWD work requirement, in order to maintain ongoing FoodShare benefits.
- Asking ABAWDs meeting the work requirement and non-ABAWDs if they would like to be referred to the FSET program.

This page last updated in Release Number: 18-01
Release Date: 12/14/2018
Effective Date: 12/14/2018