ABAWD Work Rules

How do you know if you have to follow the SNAP work rules

You have to follow the SNAP work rules for Abled-Bodied Adults, or ABAWDs, if you are 18 through 64 years of age, are able to work, and are not living with a child under the age of 14. For example:

• You are an ABAWD the month after you turn 18.
• You are not an ABAWD the month you turn 65.

Time limits for ABAWDs

People who are ABAWDs usually have a time limit on SNAP. 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 rules, or
• are exempt from the ABAWD time limit

ABAWD work rules

If you meet the ABAWD work rules, you do not have a time limit on SNAP. You must do one of the following each month to keep your SNAP benefits:

• Work at least 80 hours or make at least $217.50 a week
• Be in a job training or work program, such as SNAP E&T, for at least 80 hours
• Volunteer for at least 80 hours
• Do a mix of work, job training and/or volunteer work that adds up to 80 hours

People who do not have ABAWD time limits

You do not have a time limit on SNAP if you qualify for an exemption. If you are exempt from the ABAWD time limits, you also do not have to meet the ABAWD work rules. You will not be limited to a 3-month time limit.

You are exempt from the ABAWD time limits if you are any of the following:

• Are under age 18 or age 65 or older
• Live with a child under 14
• Have a physical or mental health issue preventing you from working
• Are pregnant
• Already meet the work rules for TFA
• Take care of a child younger than 6 or someone who needs help taking care of themselves
• Are in a drug or alcohol treatment program
• Applied for or are getting unemployment benefits
• Go to school or a training program at least half time if you meet the other student rules
• Are a member or descendant of a federally recognized, state-recognized, or terminated Native American tribe
• Meet a General Work Requirements exemption

How can you prove the ABAWD time limit does not apply to you?

There are things DSS can verify without you having to send us proof. This includes:

• Your age,
• If you get unemployment through the Connecticut Department of Labor,
• If you get Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, or
• If you get SNAP with a child under 14.

If you think the ABAWD time limits should not apply to you, please use the Request for Exemption from the SNAP Time Limit to tell us about your situation.

If there is a medical reason for your exemption, please use the SNAP ABAWD Work Requirement Medical Report.

By using these forms, we can decide if you are exempt or are already meeting the ABAWD work rules.

If you are having trouble online, call 1-855-626-6632, visit your local Community Action Agency, or visit a DSS office to request a paper form.

Good cause for not meeting the ABAWD work rules

If you have a good reason for not meeting the ABAWD work rules, you may be able to be exempt. Good reasons include things out of your control like getting sick, a household emergency, or not having transportation.

If you 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 a job, job training or volunteer work?

If you would like help finding or training for a job, you can ask about our free 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. 

For volunteer opportunities, visit the United Way.