Overview
You are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) if you are aged 18 up to 53* years of age. This includes:
- The month following the month you turn 18.
- The month you turn 53.
- If you are able to work, and
- If you are not living with a dependent child under the age of 18.
*Starting October 1, 2024 an ABAWD is an adult aged 18 through 54 years old
Time Limits for ABAWDs
Due to the end of the COVID-19 Federal public health emergency, the Time Limit Rules will go back in effect starting on December 1, 2023.
As an ABAWD you are allowed to receive SNAP benefits for only 3 months during a 3-year period. This is known as the ABAWD time limit.
The ABAWD time limit does not apply if you:
- meet the ABAWD work requirements, or
- are exempt from the ABAWD time limit
ABAWD Work Requirements
There are many ways you can meet the ABAWD work requirements. You can meet this by:
- Working at least 80 hours per month, or an average of 20 hours per week.
Note: Work means employment, self-employment, volunteer work, or working in exchange for goods and services provided instead of cash, or in-kind income.
- Participating in a work program at least 80 hours a month.
- Working and participating in a work program for a combination of at least 80 hours a month.
Exemptions from ABAWD Time Limits
If you are exempt from the ABAWD time limits, you do not have to meet the ABAWD work requirements. You will not be limited to a 3-month time limit.
You are Exempt from the ABAWDs time limits if you meet any of the following:
- Younger than age 18, or age 53 or older
- Living in a household with a child under age 18
- Not able to work because of a physical or mental health reason
- Pregnant
- Served in the Armed forces regardless of discharge status; or
- Experiencing homelessness
- Age 24 or younger and in foster care when they were age 18
- Meet a General Work Requirements Exemption
- Receive any temporary or permanent disability benefit
- Live in an exempt town
Good Cause for not meeting the ABAWD Work Requirements
If you have a good reason for not meeting the ABAWD Work Requirements, you may be able to be exempt. Good reasons include things out of your control like getting sick, no childcare for a child younger than age 12, or not having transportation. If you are determined to have a good reason, there will be no change to your SNAP benefits. If you think you have a good reason, contact us at 1-855-626-6632.
Do you need help finding training or a job?
If you would like help finding or training for a job, you can ask about our SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Program. SNAP E&T can help you gain skills to find work and become more independent.
You can also call or go to your local American Job Center or your local community action agency.