SNAP Provisions in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

On June 3, 2023, the President signed into law the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA). Attached is an information memorandum describing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provisions of that Act.

The FRA gradually increases the age of those subject to the able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) time limit and adds new groups of individuals who are excepted from the ABAWD time limit. The changes related to ABAWD ages and exceptions are temporary and no longer effective beginning Oct. 1, 2030.

The FRA also decreases states’ annual allotment of ABAWD discretionary exemptions and limits states’ ability to carry over unused discretionary exemptions. Finally, the FRA updates SNAP’s purpose statement and requires the Department to make state ABAWD waiver requests and agency approvals available to the public.

FNS intends to provide more detailed information in future communications. In the meantime, state agencies with questions should contact their respective regional office representatives.

The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

Catherine Buhrig
Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food and Nutrition Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Attachment

• SNAP Provisions in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023