Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training

The goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), historically and commonly known as the Food Stamp Program,  is to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in obtaining employment through participation in allowable job search, training, education, or workfare activities that promote self-sufficiency.  Services include: Directed Job Search, Vocational Education/Training, Non-vocational Education/Training, Work Experience, Workfare and Unsubsidized Employment.  If participant does not secure employment after 4 weeks of job search and training activities, participant will be mandated to work fare activities, which is in essence community service, in order to develop skills necessary to become self sufficient.  The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) determines participant eligibility and refers those eligible participants to Workforce Solutions. 

Generally, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) age 18 and over can get SNAP benefits for only 3 months in a 36-month period if they do not work or participate in a workfare or employment and training program other than job search.  With some exceptions, able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 must register for work, accept suitable employment, and take part in an employment and training program to which they are referred by the local office. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in disqualification from the Program.

SNAP recipients must participate in assigned SNAP E&T activities for a minimum weekly average of at least 30 hours.  Support services for transportation, dependent care expenses, and other expenses that are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to participation in SNAP activities are evaluated based on individual need.  Payment for General Educational Development (GED) testing and certificates of high school equivalency is also available.