10-144-609 Me. Code R. § 1
Able-bodied Adult without Dependent (ABAWD)- a recipient as defined in 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules Manual, Section 111-7.
Assessment- An individualized process designed to integrate the array of SNAP E&T services with educational and vocational needs, including review of employment and educational history, interests and abilities of each participant, barriers to employment, and support service needs to develop an Individualized Employment Plan as an interactive process between the participant and the SNAP E&T Provider.
Basic Skills Education- educational or basic skills training such as Adult Basic Education (ABE), basic literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), high school equivalency (HiSET), and other remedial courses necessary for job attainment and/or prerequisites or necessary for participating in post-secondary education consistent with 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2)(vi)(A).
Case Management- As outlined in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(1), Case Management is the ongoing process of interactive communication, identifying the needs of the participant, coordinating services appropriate to meet those needs, and monitoring and supporting the participant's progress through SNAP E&T so that the participant can gain the skills and support to obtain employment. Case management must be provided by all SNAP E&T providers in addition to at least one SNAP E&T service component.
Component- Educational, training, or employment activities approved by SNAP E&T and delivered to meet federally defined standards for SNAP Employment and Training programs in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2). SNAP E&T services may include Non-work, Work, and Educational Components. SNAP E&T Providers are not required to deliver all service components.
Educational Component- is a SNAP E&T component as defined in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2) that includes basic skills education, vocational, or post-secondary undergraduate education for specific high skilled jobs. Educational Components may be counted as a qualifying ABAWD Work Component when the ABAWD is enrolled at least 20 hours per week or half-time in an Educational Component, as determined by the educational institution.
Fair Hearing (also known as an Administrative Hearing)- A hearing conducted before a Department of Health and Human Services hearings officer in which a participant has an opportunity to dispute a decision made by the Department. The hearing officer's decision is binding on all parties and is subject to possible Superior Court review.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)- The division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of federal nutrition assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and school meals in partnership with State and Tribal governments.
Individualized Employment Plan (IEP)- An agreement between the SNAP E&T Provider and the participant, which outlines the responsibilities of each party, including services to be provided by SNAP E&T, and actions to be taken by the participant to achieve a short or long-term employment related goal identified in the IEP.
Job Retention- A SNAP E&T component as defined in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2)(viii) that provides case management and participant reimbursements and other SNAP E&T services to participants who obtain a job through their SNAP E&T enrollment.
Non-work Component- includes federally defined Job Search, Job Search Training, and Job Retention Component services as defined in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2) typically used to help a participant achieve job readiness or retain employment attained through SNAP E&T participation.
Participant- a federal SNAP recipient who is enrolled in SNAP E&T services.
Participant Reimbursement- Reimbursements pursuant to 7 C.F.R. §273.7(d)(4) for services or items such as transportation, childcare, books, tools, equipment or work clothing that are necessary for the participant to complete the SNAP E&T component in which they are enrolled and have identified in their IEP. Participant Reimbursement costs can only be reimbursed by the Department directly to the SNAP E&T Provider or participant.
Provider (SNAP E&T Provider)- either the Department or a contracted vendor that provides SNAP E&T services.
Qualifying Component- an Educational or Work Component pursuant to 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2) that may be used toward ABAWD work requirements.
Recipient- an eligible individual included in a SNAP household and currently receiving or enrolled for SNAP benefits.
Work Component- an employment and training service component as defined in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(e)(2) that qualifies for federally defined standards to meet ABAWD work requirements. Work Components include apprenticeships, Job Retention, workfare, and work experience.
Work Registrant- a recipient between the ages of 16-59 who is subject to the federal work requirements identified in 7 C.F.R. §273.7(a)(1)(i-vii).
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, is authorized to operate the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program for SNAP recipients under provisions of the federal Food Stamp Act of 1977 (P.L. 93-133, Section 17), as amended, which is contained in Title 7 United States Code §2015(d)(4). It is authorized under Maine Law at 22 M.R.S. §3104. It is governed by regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, as set forth at 7 C.F.R. §273.7.
10-144 C.M.R. ch. 609, § 1