The SNAP Path to Work program, also known as SNAP E&T, operates as a collaborative effort between the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) and the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). DTA oversees the state-funded portion of the program, and contracts with ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School as the intermediary for Massachusetts. This partnership relies on a network of employment and training providers to extend access to essential services for SNAP clients, enabling them to compete effectively in the job market.
SNAP E&T is specifically structured to support unemployed and underemployed SNAP recipients by offering training and education aimed at facilitating their entry into quality employment opportunities. The program’s funding encompasses not only educational and training expenses but also crucial wrap-around services and supports, addressing barriers that may hinder participants’ progress. By tailoring services to address individual needs and challenges, participants can concentrate on their training, job preparation, and successful transition into employment, thereby enhancing their prospects for long-term economic stability.
Minimum SNAP Path to Work Provider Eligibility Requirements
Provide comprehensive employment and training services.
Must be a 501(c)3 (non-profit) in good standing, either a community-based organization, community college, state agency, or other local workforce organization serving Massachusetts residents.
Have funds to cover 100% of the costs to deliver the proposed SNAP Path to Work services and certify that funds are non-federal in origin or not being used as a federal match prior to your organization receiving them.
Be able to demonstrate your organization has the capacity (financially and programmatically) to operate a program that meets both state and federal requirements.
Agencies and organizations interested in becoming approved SNAP Path to Work service providers must participate in an information session before submitting their proposal packets. These sessions provide essential insights into program requirements and guidelines. Funding for the program follows the federal fiscal year (October 1-September 30). Approval of new provider applications depends on inclusion in the Massachusetts SNAP E&T State Plan. Contracts and reimbursement are contingent upon availability of federal funds and any other factors.
Program Type (Components)
Education – Adult Basic Education, Bridge to College programs, English Language acquisition, High School Equivalency Test Preparation.
- Prepare clients for the job market by providing the educational foundation that employers are looking for.
Job Search
- Create connections in the right places to promote job search success.
Job Search Training
- Enhance the job readiness of participants by increasing motivation and self-confidence and providing instruction in job search techniques, including resume help, interview skills, career exploration, and more.
Job Retention Services
- Provide support services for up to 90 days to SNAP clients who have secured employment during or after SNAP Path to Work participation.
Self-Employment Training
- Improves the employability of participants by training them to design and operate a small business or other self–employment venture.
Vocational Skills Training
- Help clients develop job-related skills to enhance their resume and qualifications.
Work Based Learning – Internships, Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Transitional jobs, On-the-Job-Training
- Improve employability through planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a real or simulated workplace for a limited period of time.
Funding
MA SNAP Path to Work provides an opportunity to access resources for workforce development. Funding available to Massachusetts service providers is through 50% reimbursements for non-federal spending on approved employment and training services. FNS will reimburse 50% of the costs of providing SNAP E&T appropriate services to eligible SNAP recipients based on the requirements of the program.
MA SNAP Path to Work 50% reimbursements are not capped. The reimbursement funds are considered cash once the State receives them as it loses its federal identity and may be used as the non-federal funds to provide additional SNAP E&T services for an additional 50% reimbursement. You can recycle SNAP E&T funds.
Massachusetts SNAP Path to Work program operates via a third-party reimbursement model. This means that contracted SNAP Path to Work service providers, rather than the State, furnish the required non-federal funds and receive the reimbursements. ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan retains 5% of all 50% reimbursements to support management of the program. As a result, the actual reimbursement a service provider receives is 47.5%.
What can the 50% Reimbursement funds be used for?
Reimbursement funds must be used to enhance and/or expand employment and training services for SNAP recipients. They can be used:
- To build capacity to offer higher quality and/or more intensive services.
- To expand/diversify programming.
- Provide supports for participants.
- To serve greater numbers of SNAP recipients.
- Recycled for additional reimbursement.
- Provide SNAP Path to Work participants with services not allowed under SNAP E&T such as stipends, incentives, mental health, and substance abuse counseling.
Non-federal Funds
Any source of non-federal funds can be used to provide E&T services if the funds are non-federal and not matched elsewhere and has no restrictions or stipulations on use. Examples include:
- State funding that is not a federal pass-through or federal in origin
- Foundations and Corporations
- Individual Donations
- Unrestricted organizational revenue
- Community Development Block Grants (workforce) – CDBG (even though these funds are federal, they are allowable)