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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 | Guidance Documents SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Policy Guide

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

09/29/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP: FY 24 Discretionary Exemptions for ABAWDs - Not Adjusted for Carryover

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.

09/25/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 – Questions & Answers #2

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.

08/25/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Noticing Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents before Reinstating the Time Limit

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.

05/31/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Preparing for Reinstatement of the Time Limit for ABAWDs

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. 

02/10/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-1996-0008 Guidance for States on Use of Discretionary Food Stamp Program Time Limit Exemptions

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 stipulates that able-bodied, childless adults may only receive food stamps for 3 months in a 36-month period unless they work at least 20 hours a week; participate in an approved work or training program; or live in an area that has been waived from the time limit due to either an unemployment rate higher than 10 percent, or insufficient jobs.

08/14/1996
Page updated: October 14, 2021