Basic Food Work Registration Exemptions

Revised October 22, 2026

Purpose:

WAC 388-444-0010 Who is exempt from work registration while receiving Basic Food?

Clarifying Information - WAC 388-444-0010

  1. Apply and code personal exemptions (such as child under six, etc.) in all areas of the state. 
  2. The exemption for regularly participating in a substance abuse disorder (SUD) treatment program applies regardless of the type of treatment program.
  3. The exemption for employment or self-employment applies when the customer is: 
    1. Earning 30 x Federal Minimum wage ($7.25/hr. in 2026) a week averaged monthly.
    2. Working 30 or more hours a week averaged monthly.
  4. All non-exempt customers who receive federally funded SNAP or state funded FAP benefits are registered for work. This is true even though FAP recipients do not qualify for federally- funded BFET services.
    Note: Customers who do not have authorization to work in the United States are exempt from work registration.
  5. Caring for an incapacitated person exemption: The incapacitated person does not have to be related, or in the household.
  6. Some Work Registrants have participation requirements as Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents. Participation exceptions for ABAWDs under WAC 388-444-0035 (such as pregnancy or living in a waived area) do not apply to work registration in general. See ABAWD Chapter.
 

Worker Responsibilities - WAC 388-444-0010

  1. Screen for work registration status at application, recertification and when a customer reports a change that changes a household member’s work registration status:
    1. Determine the customer's exempt or non-exempt status for work registration. See WAC 388-444-0010.
    2. Screening includes providing both oral and written notice of work registration requirements. 
    3. Code work exemption information on the Work Registration page for customers ages 16 through 64.
  2. Volunteering for Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET):
    Customers who receive federally funded Basic Food (SNAP) benefits may volunteer to participate BFET. As a volunteer they may:
    1. Meet eligibility requirements (see Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) Program);
    2. Receive support services (see BFET Reimbursement of Participation Expenses); and
    3. Not be disqualified for not cooperating with the program.
  3. Verifying a Personal Exemption
    1. Accept a customer's statement of employment status or job availability unless the information is questionable.
    2. If questionable, request:
      1. Evidence of the claimed exemption; or
      2. The name and contact information of an acceptable collateral source who can be contacted for further verification.

    3. If a customer claims to be physically or mentally unable to work, isn't receiving disability-related benefits from a public or private source, and the customer's statement is questionable, request verification such as a statement from a qualified professional or their staff. The DSHS 14-541 (ABAWD Requirement: Medical Report) is not required but could be used for this purpose.
      **Do not refer to an SSI facilitator for Basic Food disability determination.

      Notes
      Customers receiving veteran’s benefits based on 100% disability qualify for the disability exemption.
      Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), L&I, other Worker’s Compensation or Private disability insurance benefits can be used as verification for this exemption. 
    4. Self-employment records are needed to verify income and hours worked. (See Self Employment Income chapter).
    5. A parent or other adult in the assistance unit may claim a child under six, as their exemption if they have a majority (50% or more) parental responsibility to care for that child. 
      1. In households with multiple adults, only one adult may be exempted for caring for a specific child.
      2. Allow the household to change their election of who is caring for the child under six as an exemption up to once per month if necessary; however, the change of election may not be utilized as a means to remove an individual's work registration food disqualification (by becoming exempt).