SNAP-Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents Waivers for FY 2012

Under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations at 7 CFR 273.24(f)(2), a state can qualify for a 12-month statewide Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) waiver if the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Service determines it meets the criteria for extended unemployment benefits. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) can approve a waiver if the state's unemployment triggers the criteria for extended benefit compensation (EB), regardless of whether the state has elected the option to offer EB itself. States that meet the EB criteria can qualify for a 12-month statewide ABAWD waiver, up to 12 months after the trigger date. The DOL EC Trigger Notice 2011-13, effective April 10, 2011, indicates that 46 states or geographic areas met the EC criteria:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Thus, the 46 qualifying states or geographic areas may suspend the time limits on ABAWDs through at least Sept. 30, 2012. In addition, state agencies that appear on a different DOL Trigger Notice beginning no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, would also qualify for an fiscal year 2012 ABAWD waiver. These states may lift the ABAWD restrictions without requesting an FNS approved waiver in advance, although states must notify their FNS regional office of the statewide implementation. State agency notification should be in writing. We request that states inform their FNS regional office of their decision to adopt this waiver by Aug. 31, 2011.

Lizbeth Silbermann
Director
Program Development Division