FNS Documents & Resources

Here are some resources to find out more about SNAP ABAWDs and related information. 

The purpose of this guide is to consolidate guidance and policy on serving able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

FNS has estimated the number of new discretionary exemptions each state has earned for FY 2024. States that operated under a statewide waiver of the ABAWD time limit did not earn any new exemptions.

FNS is issuing this second set of questions and answers in response to inquiries received from SNAP state agencies concerning implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

The SNAP E&T Plan Handbook provides guidance to state agencies administering and operating the SNAP E&T program on how to prepare and submit their annual plan to FNS for approval.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act suspended the time limit and work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) until July 1, 2023. This memorandum discusses requirements for state agencies related to notifying households about the ABAWD time limit and work requirement before ABAWDs become subject to the time limit again.

In preparation for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, FNS is sharing critical decision points and important resources state agencies should reference as they plan to reinstate the ABAWD time-limit. 

Responding to a renewed sense of urgency for transforming publicly funded work programs to more adequately help participants achieve their dreams and aspirations, states, counties and local agencies are redesigning their employment and training programs to build on participants’ strengths while simultaneously recognizing the toll that racism and trauma have taken on their lives. 

This panel presentation, facilitated by the APHSA, highlights APHSA and its members commitment to advancing equity in human services, including through SNAP E&T.

This was a live-streamed session at the 2022 SNAP E&T National Forum. Emerging from the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) will require state agencies to eventually resume enforcing the time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).