7 CFR § 273.7(a)(1)(i)-(vii) and (b)(iii) and (v) and (f)(5)(iv) and (j)(1)-(3)(vi)-(viii)


Disqualify a mandatory work registrant when the individual fails to meet a work requirement.


Determine good cause before imposing a work requirement disqualification.  


Note:  The disqualification penalty follows the disqualified individual if they join a new EDG, unless the individual becomes exempt.

Disqualification Periods

7 CFR § 273.7(f)(2)(i)(A)-(B) and (ii)(A)-(B) and (iii)(A)-(B)


Disqualify only the individual who committed the penalty.  

  • First violation:  3 months, or the date the individual complies, whichever occurs last.
  • 2nd violation:  6 months, or the date the individual complies, whichever occurs last.
  • 3rd and additional violations:  6 months, or the date the individual complies, whichever occurs last.


Budget the disqualified individual’s income, assets, expenses and deductions following Disqualified Members policy. 

Notice of Disqualification 

7 CFR § 273.7(c)(3) and (f)(1)(i)-(ii)


Provide a NOA within 10 days of the date non-compliance without good cause is determined.


Include the following information in the NOA:

  • The specific offense the individual committed.
  • The proposed disqualification period.
  • The actions needed to end or avoid the disqualification.
  • Statement that the EDG may reapply at the end of the disqualification period.
  • Their right to a fair hearing.

Applying Households 

7 CFR § 273.7(c)(3) and (f)(1)(i)-(ii) and (j)(3)(vi)


Advise applying households of the disqualification using the appropriate notice.  The disqualification begins upon issuance of the notice.

Approved Households

7 CFR § 273.7(c)(3) and (f)(1)(i)-(ii) and (j)(3)(vii)


Provide advance notice within 10 days of the date non-compliance is determined.  


The disqualification period begins: 

  • the first month following the end of the adverse action period, unless a fair hearing is requested, 
  • the month following the end of the benefit period, if the failure to comply occurs in the last 30 days of the benefit period, or
  • the first month after the hearing decision is issued.  

Ending the Disqualification

7 CFR § 273.7(f)(5)(iii) and (g) and (j)(4)


EDGs must request to add the individual back to the case, or reapply if the SNAP case was closed. End the disqualification and add the individual or reopen the case when the disqualified person:

  • becomes exempt from work registration; or
  • serves the disqualification period; and
  • starts work registration by reapplying using a W-1E, Application, or W-1ER, Renewal Application. 

Note: Individuals disqualified for failure to comply with TFA or UCB work requirements must comply with those requirements prior to ending the disqualification.


When the entire EDG is disqualified they can become eligible sooner if:


When the application is filed in the last month of the disqualification period, use the application for:

  • denial of benefits for that month, and
  • the next month’s determination of eligibility.