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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Work Requirement Policy Resources

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

10/20/2023
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0005 Use of SNAP Employment and Training Funds for SNAP Recipients Who Are Attending High School

This memo provides guidance on the use of SNAP E&T funds to pay for services for individuals who are attending high school. In most cases, it is likely neither legal nor appropriate to use E&T funds to pay for services for individuals are attending high school. In some instances, however, it is allowed and encouraged to use E&T funds for individuals who are of high school age, such as for individuals aged 16-17 who are subject to SNAP work requirements.

12/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0099 Policy Cancellation Memorandum

FNS is cancelling Policy Memoranda FD-010, FD-027, FD-028, FD-029, FD-032, FD-053, FD-055, FD-071, FD-073, FD-074, FD-083, FD-086, FD-087, FD-090, FD-105, and FD-115. The guidance provided by these memoranda are either outdated, obsolete, or otherwise captured in more current memoranda.

FD-147
12/27/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0091 Questions and Answers: Final Rulemaking Requirements for ABAWDs

On Dec. 5, 2019, the  FNS final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, will publish in the Federal Register. The rule revises the conditions under which FNS would waive, when requested by states, the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) time limit in areas that have an unemployment rate of over 10 percent or a lack of sufficient jobs. In addition, the rule limits the carryover of unused ABAWD discretionary exemptions. 

12/04/2019
Resource | FAQs/Q&As | FNS-GD-2018-0025 APD - Testing Items FAQs
06/27/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0020 Clarifications on Work Requirements, ABAWDs, and E&T

The Office of lnspector General's 2016 Audit Report, Food and Nutrition Service Controls over SNAP Benefits for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents, recommended that FNS perform analysis to identify problematic areas for states in terms of ABAWD policy and then provide states with additional best practices to address those areas. 

05/25/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0018 Requirements for Informing Households of ABAWD Rules

Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the time able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt.

04/17/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0074 Electronic Receipting for USDA Direct and Multi-Food Shipments (Revised)

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise you of a new and revised requirement for all Receiving Organizations (i.e., organizations that receive shipments of Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods, including Distributing Agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO), recipient agencies, processors, and warehouses). This memorandum replaces the previous FD-062 dated April 25, 2011 , and adjusts the maximum timeframe for entering shipment receipts in the Web-Based Supply Chain Management System.

FD-062
09/04/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0064 SNAP Applications and the Affordable Care Act

This memorandum provides regional offices with guidance as they work with states to ensure that online and paper SNAP applications meet federal requirements and are user-friendly, understandable and effective.

08/07/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0055 Continuation of USDA Food Assistance During a Human Pandemic (Revised)

This policy memorandum is the result of activities undertaken to plan a government-wide response to a potential human pandemic and addresses the operation of its USDA food programs during a major pandemic event. 

FD-066
08/31/2009
Page updated: October 14, 2021