Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) also referred to as Food Stamps, works to assist participants in gaining skills, training, experience and/ or employment to increase ability to gain self-sufficiency.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a mandatory program designed to assist those that are receiving food stamp benefits from the state of Florida transition into the world of work and into self-sufficiency. Someone interested in applying for food stamp benefits will first need to complete an application through the Department of Children & Families. If referred to the SNAP E&T program at CareerSource Pasco Hernando, you will need to complete the SNAP orientation, assessment, and schedule appointment session online. Once completed, you will be required to attend an informational meeting; once a part of the SNAP E&T program, you will be assigned an activity such as job search or work experience for 80 hours monthly. If you complete your assigned activity, you may be eligible to receive a FSR (food stamp reimbursement) to help with your travel costs.
Contact your local DCF:
Phone: (850) 300-4DCF or (866) 762-2237 Fax: (866) 886-4342
DCF Locations:
Hernando County
Brooksville Office
661 S. Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
https://www.myflfamilies.com/myaccess
EBT Phone – Toll Free: (888) 356-3281
LET’S GET STARTED:
Your first step in getting started with the SNAP Employment and Training program will be to complete Steps 1, and 2 below. If you have already done so, congratulations on completing the State’s Online Orientation, Assessment to comply with the SNAP E&T Program.
If you have not completed and are an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents or have been classified an ABAWD by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), please go to Step 1 below to complete your SNAP Orientation, Assessment :
Step 1: Complete the program orientation and assessment online (must within 7 days).
Go online to the link below to complete your SNAP MN program orientation and assessment. It will generally take you 45 minutes to an hour to complete. It will be required to complete the SNAP MN program orientation and assessment within 7 days from notification or start of your food assistance benefits. Please ensure you complete fully and review each screen carefully to meet all requirements of the online program orientation and assessment. You may visit a CareerSource center (see locations below) to access a computer and printer as well as CareerSource staff to assist you. Then please move to Step 2.
http://osstclient.deo.myflorida.com/
Step 2: Attend your SNAP appointment within the first 7 days from the start of your Food Assistance Benefits.
During the first 7 days from the start of your Food Assistance benefits formerly called food stamps and issued by DCF, you will be asked to complete the SNAP – appointment in person at CareerSource Pasco Hernando.
During this initial appointment session you will meet with a CareerSource SNAP Career Specialist to begin your next SNAP work activity. We encourage you to visit one of the CareerSource Pasco Hernando centers serving the SNAP ABAWD by your 2nd week to avoid jeopardy or loss of your food assistance benefits and meet with a trained staff to guide you.
Step 2 Continued: Congratulations you have finished the State online orientation, assessment, and have scheduled your appointment.
Now let’s take a look at what you will be doing at CareerSource Pasco Hernando while referred and receiving Food Assistance.
Please arrive promptly if not 15 minutes early to get signed into our office. Seating may be limited due to high volume anticipated and you must have pre-registered for the session through your OSST client account.
Step 3: Visit us at a CareerSource Pasco Hernando center on your selected day and time.
Due to the high volume of SNAP participants or ABAWDs that will be referred by the Department of Children and Families, CareerSource Pasco Hernando has set up Individual Sessions. At a Individual session, you will be required to:
- Complete additional engagement forms and
- Most important select your next SNAP MN activity(s) to remain in compliance with the monthly 80 hours of ongoing participation.
Step 4: Select your monthly 80 hour activity(s).
To help prepare you and support your information session, please review the information below:
Please remember that the ABAWD must complete 80 hours per month in their allowable SNAP MN activity. A total of 20 hours per week is recommended. Your activity support documents or timesheets should be submitted by the 15th and 30th but no later than the 7th of the following month to ensure sufficient time to update into the state MIS and reflect recorded hours within your MY TESS account! Please understand given the volume of SNAP participants anticipated that there may be a delay in CareerSource updates.
Transportation Reimbursement Assistance:
If you are interested in receiving help with your job searching efforts, participating in activities and receiving Food Stamp Reimbursements (FSRs) to help off-set the cost of transportation, please discuss with your SNAP Career Specialist. Or review the SNAP program activities presentation above.
We look forward to working with you and assisting you in finding employment!
