The Food and Nutrition Act restricts the amount of time that able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) may participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to 3 months in a 36-month period, unless the ABAWD meets certain
work requirements or is exempted by the state. SNAP regulations at 7 CFR 273.24(g) provide each state agency with an annual allocation of exemptions from the work requirements of 7 CFR 273.24 for ABAWDs.
This memorandum provides information on the new requirements for local wellness policies so that local educational agencies can begin reviewing their policies for the coming school year 2011-12, and begin moving forward on implementing the new requirements.
The DOL EC Trigger Notice 2011-13, effective April 10, 2011, indicates that 46 states or geographic areas met the EC criteria; however, the 46 qualifying states or geographic areas may suspend the time limits on ABAWDs through at least Sept. 30, 2012