SNAP E&T

United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s mission is to eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana. To solve big problems, like poverty, we need lasting solutions. UWSELA’s Blueprint for Prosperity, our long-term plan to move individuals out of poverty, identifies specific indicators that will maximize employment and economic achievement, all to increase the productive capacity of our regional economy.

We focus on two main areas aimed at strengthening our community’s economic growth: building a more engaged and skilled workforce and minimizing the pressures on health care and social services.

To expand our workforce development investments and community-strengthening efforts, United Way serves as a prime contractor for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to administer the reimbursement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training [SNAP E&T] funding to local nonprofit partners.

What is SNAP E&T?

The SNAP E&T program helps SNAP households gain skills, training, work, or experience that will increase self-sufficiency. The program provides reimbursement funding for a package of services that includes participant assessment, employment and training activities, and support services.

Why partner with United Way?

United Way of Southeast Louisiana facilitates the return of SNAP E&T funding for community and faith-based organizations providing services in the following areas:

Contracting with United Way increases your organizational capacity, saving you essential funding and time that is required to process SNAP E&T funding on your own. Those savings translate into expanded services and offerings and more dollars toward your organization’s mission.

For the greater community, bringing additional SNAP E&T funding to Southeast Louisiana will strengthen our region’s economy by building a more engaged and skilled workforce while minimizing the pressures on social services.


HOW SNAP E&T WORKS

SNAP E&T Services

  •  SNAP E&T is a package of services that includes participant assessment, employment and training activities, and supportive services
  •  States must describe services in an annual SNAP E&T Plan that is submitted to the USDA
  •  SNAP E&T services are offered by states or state partners (colleges, community-based organizations, American job centers contracted/engaged by state)

Participant Assessment

  •  Assessment for SNAP E&T eligibility 
  •  Assessment of employment and training needs/interests; states select one or more to offer 

     Eligible Participant

  • Receiving SNAP benefits in the month they participate in component (except job retention)
  • Not receiving TANF cash assistance
  • Able to work upon program completion
Employment & Training Activities
  • Job search/job search training 
  • Workforce or community service 
  • Work experience (e.g., on-the-job training, apprenticeships)
  • Self-employment program 
  • Educational programs, including basic skills and English language learning, directly linked to employment 
  • Vocational education 
  • Job retention (or 90 days post-employment)

Supportive Services

Reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in employment and training activities. 

Examples:

  • Transportation 
  • Dependent care costs 
  • Safety equipment 
  • Supplies & books

FEDERAL SNAP E&T FUNDING 

E&T Program Grant (100 Percent) Funds

  • Formula-based grants to states to plan, implement and operate SNAP E&T services 
  • Total funding available in FY 2016: $90 million
  •  All a\states receive 100 percent funding. Some states do not spend their full allocations; remaining dollars may be allocated to other States

50 Percent Reimbursement (50-50) Funds

  • Reimbursement grants (50 cents per dollar obligated) for SNAP E&T program costs exceeding those covered by 100 percent funds or for supportive services provided to participants 
  • Funds eligible for reimbursement can include state or local funds OR non-federal funds put up by “third-party” providers contracted by states to offer E&T services
  • States may request 50-50 refunds from Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)  

ABAWD (“Pledge State”) Grant Funds

  • For states pledging to offer qualifying E&T services to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) at risk of losing SNAP eligibility due to time limits 
  • States may request to be a “pledge” state, and thus, receive these funds 
  • Currently capped at $20M annually for all pledge states, allocated based on size of ABAWD population

SNAP E&T FUNDS CAN PAY FOR:

100 Percent or 50-50 Funds

Administrative Expenses 

  • State staffing and overall planning, implementation, and operations 
  • Partner provider administrative expenses

Direct Program Expenses

 (other than participant reimbursements)

  • Tuition and fees
  • Case management/career navigation 
  • Job development 

50-50 Funds Only

Participant expenses reasonably necessary and directly related to program participation (supportive services), including: 

  • Transportation
  • Dependent care 
  • Equipment and supplies related to training 
  • Books 
  • Uniforms 
  • Licensing fees  

For more information contact Jamene Dahmer, Sr. Vice President of Long-Term Recovery & Special Projects at JameneD@UnitedWaySELA.org.