SNAP Path to Work Program

DTA’s SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, now called the SNAP Path to Work program, provides SNAP-only clients with the skills, training, experience, education and employment supports needed to find and keep good paying jobs. SNAP Path to Work is a federal-state-local partnership administered by DTA.

The following components are offered as part of this program:

Component Type Description Examples
Education Provides educational programs or activities to improve basic skills or otherwise improve employability
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • English for Employment
  • Adult Basic Education
  • High School Equivalency Test (HiSet)
  • Basic Literacy
  • Post-Secondary Education
Vocational Skills Training Improves the employability of participants by providing training in a skill or trade, allowing the participant to move directly into employment
  • Banking
  • Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aid Training
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitability Training
  • Building and Construction Trades
  • Pharmacy Technician Training
  • Computers for Work
  • Medical Technology
  • Building Maintenance
  • Customer Service
Job Search Training Strives to enhance the job readiness of participants by providing instruction in job seeking techniques and increasing motivation and self-confidence
  • job skills assessments
  • job finding clubs
  • job placement services
  • other direct training or support activities
Job Search Requires participants to make a predetermined number of  inquiries to prospective employers over a specified period of time
  • independent coaching
  • group coaching
Job Retention Services Provides support services, for up to 90 days, to individuals who have received E&T services under the SNAP Path to Work program and have secured employment
  • regular face to face and/or telephonic check in with the working client

May also include:

  • case management
  • job coaching
  • supports (example: transportation assistance)
Self-Directed Workfare (Community Service) ABAWDS may elect to meet the ABAWD Work Program requirement by volunteering at public, quasi-public or nonprofit organizations for the required number of hours per month. Participants gain valuable work experience through volunteer work

Detailed information about the components available through the SNAP Path to Work program and a list of organizations that may be accepting ABAWD volunteers can be accessed by visiting the SNAP Path to Work Website.

Participation in the SNAP Path to Work Program is voluntary.  All pending and active SNAP-only clients must be offered the opportunity to participate.  Acceptance of the referral is completely voluntary and there are no penalties for failing to participate in the program.

SNAP participants may voluntarily access SNAP Path to Work services by:

  • contacting the Central Office SNAP Path to Work staff to request a referral to a particular program;
  • directly contacting a SNAP Path to Work Provider, attending an orientation, and completing the application process for enrollment. SNAP Path to Work Provider staff will then provide assessment information to Central Office SNAP Path to Work staff and request approval to enroll the participant into the component;
  • responding to outreach from a SNAP Path to Work Provider, attending an orientation, and completing the application process for enrollment. The SNAP Path to Work Provider staff will then provide assessment information to Central Office SNAP Path to Work staff and request approval to enroll the participant into the E&T component; or
  • requesting contact from a SNAP Path to Work Provider through the SNAP Path to Work Website.

If a SNAP client wishes to be referred to the SNAP Path to Work  program you must contact a Central Office SNAP Path to Work Specialist or give the client the toll free SNAP Work Requirements Line phone number: 888-483-0255.

Volunteer SNAP Path to Work participants are expected to:

  • complete the SNAP Path to Work enrollment form;
  • attend a SNAP Path to Work interview;
  • begin participating through the SNAP Path to Work vendor when enrolled;
  • provide verification of participation if requested by the Department;
  • participate in all SNAP Path to Work component activities;
  • take part in vendor-assisted job search activities; and
  • accept and maintain an offer of employment.

Voluntary SNAP Path to Work participants will not be disqualified for failure to comply with employment and training requirements.

Note: Certain SNAP Path to Work components can help ABAWDs meet the ABAWD Work Program Requirement while increasing employability. Unless they are already meeting the ABAWD requirements, non-exempt (ABAWDs may only enroll in qualifying SNAP Path to Work components.

Reminder: ABAWDs who have become ineligible for SNAP benefits due to noncompliance with the Work Program requirement may regain eligibility for SNAP is by participating in qualifying E&T activity (through the SNAP Path to Work program or a comparable program in the community) for 80 hours during a 30 consecutive day period. See Regaining Eligibility after ABAWD Work Program Noncompliance.

Last Update:  December 8, 2017