What if I have a "good cause" for not meeting the food stamp/SNAP work registration or work search rules?

You should not be sanctioned or lose food stamps if you had good cause for not complying with work registration or job search (FS/ET). See 106 C.M.R. § 362.330(A). (These good cause rules also apply to the Work Program rules for childless adults when the work rules are in effect. These rules are currently suspended. See Are there work rules for childless adults ages 18 to 50 years?

Good cause reasons for failure to comply with the FS/ET and FS/Work Program rules include:

• You lack state-standard child care during the hours of your work, including lack of special needs child care for a disabled child;
• You have a family crisis or emergency that you have to deal with during your work hours;
• You do not have transportation or you have to travel more than two hours/day or walk more than two miles round trip;
• The employer makes unreasonable work demands, such as not paying you on schedule;
• The employment is unsuitable because the pay is below the state minimum wage; the work or program discriminates against you on the basis of sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, or physical or mental handicap; there is a strike or lockout; the employment or FS/ET activity places unreasonable risks on your health or safety; or the hours interfere with your religious observances.