The SNAP E&T program is mandatory for some SNAP residents in New Jersey.

You may be exempt from participating if you are:

• Working 30 hours or more per week;
• Under age 16 or over age 59;
• Physically or mentally not able to work;
• Receiving disability benefits (SSI, VA disability, etc.);
• Receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB);
• Caring for a disabled household member or a child younger than 6 years old;
• A student who is attending college at least half time;
• Regularly participating in a drug/alcohol treatment program;
• In the third trimester of a pregnancy;
• Employed, including self-employed, for at least 30 hours per week (you must be earning at least minimum wage to use this exemption);
• Participating in a WFNJ/TANF work or training activity; or
• Paying more to participate in the program than what the state will reimburse.

If you are a SNAP recipient and do not have an above exemption, you are a mandatory E&T participant.  This means that you will be required to participate in the SNAP E&T program to keep your SNAP benefits.