Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements in the states

Work requirements


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See also: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements

This page features information about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements in the states.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements are mandated work-related activities that SNAP recipients must complete to qualify for benefits, such as working at least 30 hours a week, participating in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, and taking a suitable job if it is offered. SNAP—formerly known as food stamps—has two types of work requirements: general work requirements and able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promulgates rules and develops federal SNAP program guidelines. State-level agencies administer their SNAP programs following federal requirements, including work requirements.^[1]

Background

See also: U.S. Department of Agriculture

SNAP has two types of work requirements: general work requirements and able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements. The following sections provide information about the two types of SNAP work requirements.

General SNAP work requirements

General SNAP work requirements mandate that individuals aged 16 to 59 who can work must complete the following work-related activities:

Register for work
Participate in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs
Take a suitable job if it is offered
Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce work hours below 30 hours a week without cause.^[2]

Individuals do not have to register for general work requirements if they already meet the following conditions when they apply for SNAP benefits:

Work at least 30 hours a week
Meet work requirements for another public benefits program
Care for a child under six years old or an incapacitated person
Are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation
Are participating in an alcohol or drug treatment program
Are studying in school
Are attending a training program^[2]

Able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements for SNAP

The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) work requirement under SNAP applies to individuals aged 18 to 64 without children. To remain eligible for SNAP, ABAWDs must meet one of the following work-related activities:

Work or Volunteer: At least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week).
Participate in a Work Program: Participate in a federal, state, or local work program, such as SNAP Education and Training (E&T), for at least 80 hours per month.

Time Limit for ABAWDs

ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement can only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a 36-month period. After reaching this time limit, they lose eligibility for benefits unless they start meeting the work requirement.^[2]^[3]

Requalifying for SNAP Benefits

If an ABAWD loses eligibility due to failing to meet the work requirement, they can requalify for benefits by meeting the work requirement for 30 consecutive days. However, if they do not meet the work requirement within this 30-day period, they will be ineligible for SNAP for the next three years.

Time Limit Waivers

States can request temporary waivers for ABAWD work requirements in areas where jobs are scarce. These waivers apply in places with an unemployment rate above 10%, or in noncontiguous states (Alaska and Hawaii) if the unemployment rate is at or above 1.5 times the national unemployment rate.^[4]

As of the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, three states had full ABAWD time limit waivers, and 25 states had waivers for specific counties with high unemployment.^[5]

State administration of SNAP work requirements

The following table features information about the state entity tasked with administering each state's SNAP program as well as the state statute or regulation governing the state-level administration of SNAP work requirements.

State SNAP work requirements
State	Entity	Statute or regulation
Federal	U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service	7 Code of Federal Regulations Part 273.7 (2023)
Alabama	Alabama Department of Human Resources, Food Stamp Partnership	Alabama Administrative Code r. 660-4-1-.03 (2023)
Alaska	Alaska Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance	Alaska Statute § 47.25.975 (2022)
Arizona	Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Family Assistance Administration	Arizona Revised Statute § 46-231 (2023)
Arkansas	Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, Office of Program Planning and Development	016-20-16 Arkansas Administrative Code Rule § 7 (2023)
California	California Department of Social Services	California Welfare and Institutions Code § 18926.1 (2023)
Colorado	Colorado Department of Human Services	Section 10 Code of Colorado Regulations 2506-1 (2022)
Connecticut	Connecticut Department of Social Services	Connecticut General Statute § 17b-790 (2023)
Delaware	Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services	16 Delaware Administartive Code § 9000-9018 (2023)
Florida	Department of Children and Families	Florida Administrative Code Rule 65A-1.605 (2023)
Georgia	Georgia Department Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services	Food Stamp (SNAP) Policy Manual, policy number 3355.1 (2023)
Hawaii	Hawaii Department of Human Services	Hawaii Administrative Rules 17-684.1-6 (2023)
Idaho	Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare	Idaho Code § 56-205 (2023)
Illinois	Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Financial Support Services	Illinois Administrative Code title 89 § 121.18 (2023)
Indiana	Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family and Children	Indiana Code § 12-14-30-1 (2023)
Iowa	Iowa Department of Human Services, Division of Financial, Health and Work Supports	Iowa Administrative Code r. 441-65.28 (2023)
Kansas	Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services	Kansas Statute § 39-709 (17) (a) (2023)
Kentucky	Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services	921 Kentucky Administrative Regulations 3:027 (2022)
Louisiana	Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support	Louisiana Administrative Code title 67 § III-1940 (2023)
Maine	Maine Department of Human Services, Office of Integrated Access and Support	10-144-301 Maine Code R. § 100-FS 111-7 (2023)
Maryland	Maryland Department of Human Resources, Family Investment Administration	Maryland Code Regs. 07.03.17.23 (2023)
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance	106 Massachusetts Reg. 362.320 (2023)
Michigan	Michigan Department of Human Services	Michigan Administrative Code R. 400.171 (2023)
Minnesota	Minnesota Department of Human Services	Minnesota Statute § 256D.60 (2022)
Mississippi	Mississippi Department of Human Services	18 Mississisppi Code R. § 14-13.2 (2023)
Missouri	Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division	Missouri Revised Statute § 208.026 (2023)
Montana	Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Human and Community Services Division, Office of Public Assistance	Montana Code Annotated § 53-2-091 (2023)
Nebraska	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services	475 Nebraska Administrative Code, ch. 3, § 001 (2020)
Nevada	Nevada Department of Human Resources, Welfare Division	Nevada Revised Statute § 422A.339 (2023)
New Hampshire	New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Family Assistance	New Hampshire Administrative Code, Rule He-W 702.01 (2023)
New Jersey	New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development	New Jersey Administrative Code § 10:87-10.20 (2023)
New Mexico	New Mexico Human Services Department	New Mexico Administrative Code R. § 8.139.410.14 (2023)
New York	New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance	New York Social Service L § 95 (2021)
North Carolina	North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services	Food and nutrition services certification 260.00 (2023)
North Dakota	North Dakota Department of Human Services	Work SNAP Policy 430-05-40 (2004)
Ohio	Ohio Department of Job and Family Services	Ohio Administrative Code 5101:4-3-20 (2023)
Oklahoma	Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Family Support Services Division	Oklahoma Administrative Code § 340:50-5-100 (2023)
Oregon	Oregon Department of Human Services, Children, Adults and Families (CAF) Group	Oregon Administrative Rules 461-135-0520 (2023)
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Income Maintenance	55 Pennsylvania Code § 501.6 (2023)
Rhode Island	Rhode Island Department of Human Services	218-20-00 Rhode Island Code of Regulations § 1.11 (2023)
South Carolina	South Carolina Department of Social Services	South Carolina Code Regulations § 114-1300 (2023)
South Dakota	South Dakota Department of Social Services	South Dakota Administrative Rules 67:13:03:21 (2023)
Tennessee	Tennessee Department of Human Services, Division of Adult and Family Services	Tennessee Code § 71-5-317 (2023)
Texas	Texas Department of Human Services	40 Texas Administrative Code § 813 (2023)
Utah	Utah Department of Workforce Services	UT Admin Code R 986-900-901 (2023)
Vermont	Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access	13-005 Code of Vermont Rules 13-170-005-X 104 (2023)
Virginia	Virginia Department of Social Services	Code of Virginia § 63.2-801 (2023)
Washington	Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division	Washington Administrative Code § 388-444-0030 (2023)
West Virginia	West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families	West Virginia Code § 9-8-2 (2023)
Wisconsin	Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services	Wisconsin Statutes § 49.79 (2023)
Wyoming	Wyoming Department of Family Services	049-2 Wyoming Administrative Code § 2-5 (2019)

State and federal statutes governing SNAP work requirements

The sections below feature the statutory or regulatory text governing federal SNAP work requirements and the state-level administration of SNAP programs.

Federal

7 Code of Federal Regulations Part 273.7 (2023)

“

Supplemental nutrition assistance and food distribution; Certification of eligible households; Education and Employment Program; Work provisions.

(a) Work requirements.

(1) As a condition of eligibility for SNAP benefits, each household member not exempt under paragraph (b)(1) of this section must comply with the following SNAP work requirements:

(i) Register for work or be registered by the State agency at the time of application and every 12 months after initial registration. The member required to register need not complete the registration form.

(ii) Participate in a Food Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) program if assigned by the State agency, to the extent required by the State agency;

(iii) Participate in a workfare program if assigned by the State agency;

(iv) Provide the State agency or its designee with sufficient information regarding employment status or availability for work;

(v) Report to an employer to whom referred by the State agency or its designee if the potential employment meets the suitability requirements described in paragraph (h) of this section;

(vi) Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment, as defined in paragraph (h) of this section, at a site or plant not subject to a strike or lockout, at a wage equal to the higher of the Federal or State minimum wage or 80 percent of the wage that would have governed had the minimum hourly rate under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act been applicable to the offer of employment.

(vii) Do not voluntarily and without good cause quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work effort to less than 30 hours a week, in accordance with paragraph (j) of this section.^[6]

”

Alabama

Alabama Administrative Code r. 660-4-1-.03 (2023)

“

Personal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act Of 1996.

(3) WORK REQUIREMENTS:

(a) Individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 who are physically and mentally fit shall be ineligible if they (1) refuse without good cause to provide sufficient information to allow a determination of their employment status or job availability; (2) voluntarily and without good cause quit a job or (3) voluntarily and without good cause reduce their work effort (and, after their reduction, are working less than 30 hours a week)

Option:

Mandatory minimum disqualification periods have been established for individuals who fail to comply with work or workfare requirements

First violation-the later of the date they comply or one month.

Second violation- the later of the date they comply with work rules or 3 months.

Third violation-The later of the date they comply with work rules or 6 months.

(b) Unless exempt, able bodied individuals without dependents are ineligible to continue to receive food assistance for more than three (3) months (consecutive or otherwise) out of 36 months during which the household member did not either (a) work at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or (b) for 20 hours or more per week participate in and comply with a Job Training and Partnership Act program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program (other than a job search or job search training program); or participate in and comply with a workfare program under Section 20 of the Food Assistance Act or a comparable State or local program.

Provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 allow state agencies to exempt from the three-month/36-month time limit up to 15 percent of the state's caseload subject to the Abie-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDS) provisions.

The first month during which an individual receives benefits while not exempt, working at least 20 hours or participating in an allowable work or training program for 20 hours shall be considered the first month of the 36-month period.

An individual is exempt from this requirement if the individual is:

(1) under 18 or over 50 years of age,

(2) medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment,

(3) a parent or other member of a household with the responsibility for a dependent child under age 18 or a caregiver for a physically or mentally disabled adult,

(4) pregnant, or

(5) otherwise exempt from work requirements under subsection (d)(2) of the Food Stamp Act. Individuals denied eligibility under the new work rule can regain eligibility if during a consecutive 30-day period the individual: works 80 hours or more; participates in and complies with a Job Training and Partnership Act program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program (other than a job search or job search training program) for 80 hours or more; or participates in and complies with a workfare program (under Section 20 of the Food Stamp Act or a comparable State or local program) for 80 hours or more. If individuals subsequently lose this employment or cease participation in work or workfare programs, participation can continue for up to 3 consecutive months (beginning the month following the month the county is notified that work or work participation has ended). Once this additional period of eligibility is over, the only way to resume eligibility during the 36-month period is to comply with the 20 hours per week work requirement or become exempt from the provisions as stated above.

Once the 36-month period has passed, the household member or household may again be determined eligible under routine procedures. If the member or household remains subject to this provision, a new 36-month period is determined.^[6]

”

Alaska

Alaska Statute § 47.25.975 (2022)

“

Food Stamp Program; Administration of program; scope of regulations.

The division administers the food stamp program in accordance with the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 - 2029 ) and federal regulations promulgated under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 - 2029 ). Federal food stamp program regulations, including subsequent changes, at 7 C.F.R. 271 - 274 are adopted by reference. The provisions of 7 AAC 46.021 - 7 AAC 46.990 address elements of the program which have been committed to the discretion of the division.^[6]

”

Arizona

Arizona Revised Statute § 46-231 (2023)

“

Department of economic security; supplemental nutrition assistance program; produce incentive program; definitions.

A. The department of economic security shall:

1. Plan, prepare and develop the infrastructure necessary to implement a produce incentive program for supplemental nutrition assistance program enrollees to purchase eligible Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables at SNAP-authorized farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, community supported agriculture sites, grocery stores and convenience stores.

2. Subject to available monies, provide matching monies of up to $20 per participating SNAP-authorized site per transaction for an enrollee in the supplemental nutrition assistance program to purchase eligible Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables at the participating SNAP-authorized site.

3. Conduct research and evaluate the produce incentive program and the impact of the program on purchases made by supplemental nutrition assistance program enrollees and producers of Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables.

B. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Eligible Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables" means any Arizona-grown variety of fresh, canned, dried or frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables that do not contain added sugars, fats, oils or salt.

2. "SNAP" means the supplemental nutrition assistance program.^[6]

”

Arkansas

016-20-16 Arkansas Administrative Code Rule § 7 (2023)

“

SNAP 3000 Work Requirements.

3100 Work Registration Requirements - Summary The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 requires all able-bodied participating adults, with specific exceptions, to meet certain work-related requirements. These requirements are prerequisites to eligibility and certification that cannot be waived. (See SNAP 9443 for procedures on expedited applications.)

Work registrants must:

Respond to any requests from an eligibility worker for information regarding employment status or availability for work.

Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment at a wage not less than the higher of the applicable state or federal minimum wage.

Continue employment at a suitable job.

Avoid reducing one's work effort to less than 30 hours per week.

See SNAP 3400 for additional information.

Voluntary Quit

Any individual who is not otherwise exempt from the work registration requirements will be subject to sanction if he or she voluntarily quits a job without good cause or voluntarily reduces his or her work effort to less than 30 hours per week. See SNAP 3401.1.

Requirement to Work (RTW)

An Able Bodied Adult without Dependents or Able Bodied Adult eligibility is limited to any 3 months in a 3 year period of receiving benefits. Any individual subject to the Requirement to Work (RTW) will be ineligible to receive SNAP benefits if, during a 3 year period, he or she received SNAP benefits for at least three months while he or she did not work at least an average of 80 hours per month or participate in and comply with a specified work program. See SNAP 3500.

The 3 month time limit does not apply to individuals who are:

1) 17 or younger;

2) 50 or older;

3) medically certified as physically or mentally incapacitated for employment;

4) responsible for a dependent child or residing in a SNAP household where a household member is age 17 or younger;

5) pregnant or

6) otherwise exempt from the work registration requirements.^[6]

”

California

California Welfare and Institutions Code § 18926.1 (2023)

“

Work requirements; verification of hours.

(a) To the extent not prohibited by federal law and guidance, the department shall ensure that all recipients subject to the federal ABAWD time limit described in Section 18926 are permitted to meet the work requirements of the time limit through all forms of work, including, but not limited to, volunteer work at a nonprofit organization or a public institution that the recipient chooses, if the county can verify the hours of participation using the process established by the department pursuant to subdivision (b). (b) On or before January 1, 2018, the department, with input from the County Welfare Directors Association and advocates for CalFresh recipients, shall issue an all-county letter instructing counties as to how to verify hours of the volunteer work specified in subdivision (a).^[6]

”

Colorado

Section 10 Code of Colorado Regulations 2506-1 (2022)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Non-financial eligibility criteria

4.311 ABAWD WORK REQUIREMENTS

ABAWDs must fulfill an ABAWD work requirement in addition to the general work requirements. For the remainder of this section, client statement is considered acceptable verification unless questionable. If verification is requested from the client, case documentation must thoroughly explain why the original client statement was considered questionable.

A. To fulfill the ABAWD work requirement, the ABAWD must be:

1. Working 20 hours per week or averaged monthly for a total of 80 hours a month; or

a. Working includes:

i. Work completed in exchange for money (compensated work); or

ii. Work completed in exchange for goods or services (in-kind work); or

iii. Unpaid work verified by the provider of the unpaid work; or

iv. Any combination of compensated work, unpaid work, or in-kind work.

2. Participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program 20 hours per week or averaged monthly for a total of 80 hours a month; or

a. A work program includes:

i. A program of employment and training operated or supervised by theCDHS program other than a job search program or a job search training program;

ii. A program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);

iii. A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC 2296, “Trade Adjustment Assistance”).

3. In any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 20 hours per week or averaged monthly for a total of 80 hours a month; or

4. Participating in and complying with the Colorado Workfare program.

Failure to meet the ABAWD work requirement will result in the ABAWD losing eligibility as a result of theaccruing three countable months within a thirty-six (36) calendar month period.^[6]

”

Connecticut

Connecticut General Statute § 17b-790 (2023)

“

Social Services Department required to provide nutrition education program and to inform applicants and participants of their rights and responsibilities.

The department shall provide a program of nutrition education in accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as from time to time amended, and shall provide information to participants and applicants on their rights and responsibilities under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.^[6]

”

Delaware

16 Delaware Administartive Code § 9000-9018 (2023)

“

Food Stamp Program. Work Requirements.

9018.1 Work Registration Requirements

No physically and mentally fit individual over the age of 15 and under the age of 60 shall be eligible to participate in the food supplement program if the individual:

· refuses, at the time of application and every 12 months thereafter, to register for employment;

· refuses without good cause to accept an offer of employment at a site not subject to a strike or lockout at the time of refusal, at a wage not less than the higher of

1. the applicable Federal or State minimum wage; or

2. 80% of the wage that would have governed had the minimum hourly rate been applicable to the offer of employment.

· refuses without good cause to provide DSS with sufficient information to allow DSS to determine the employment status or the job availability of the individual;

· voluntarily and without good cause quits a job or reduces the hours of work so the individual is working less than 30 hours per week; or

· fails to comply with a work supplementation program.

13 DE Reg. 1335 (04/01/10)^[6]

”

Florida

Florida Administrative Code Rule 65A-1.605 (2023)

“

Food Assistance Employment and Training.

(1) The Food Assistance Employment and Training Program is administered in accordance with the requirements of 7 C.F.R. § 273.7, P.L. 104-193, The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and P.L. 107-171, Food Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2002.

(2) Each member of the assistance group (AG), who does not meet an exemption in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(b)(1), must work register for the Food Assistance Program as a condition of eligibility for the receipt of food assistance. If a head of household refuses to comply with Food Assistance Program requirements without good cause at initial application or reapplication, the application will be denied for that reason. The eligibility specialist will use the Food Stamp Work Registration Notice, CF-ES 2095, 01/2003, incorporated by reference, to work register each nonexempt member of the AG for the Food Assistance Program and to explain the employment and training requirements and possible penalties for noncompliance without good cause. Nonexempt head of households and AG members will be referred to the Regional Workforce Board (RWB) Service Center or contract provider when required to participate in assigned Food Assistance Program employment and training activities.

(3) A head of household or AG member(s) who refuses or fails to comply with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements without good cause is ineligible to receive food assistance. The eligibility specialist will determine whether the individual meets an exemption in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(b), or if good cause for noncompliance exists in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(i). If not exempt, and good cause is not established, action will be taken to deny approval or to impose a food assistance penalty in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(f). When the head of household is noncompliant with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements, the minimum Food Assistance Employment and Training Program penalty period will apply to the entire AG. If at the end of the minimum penalty period the head of household is still noncompliant, or does not meet a Food Assistance Employment and Training Program exemption, the head of household will remain ineligible, but other members of the AG may reapply. If the noncompliant AG member is not the head of household, the penalty will only apply to that AG member until the individual serves the minimum penalty period or complies, whichever is later, or becomes exempt. The following Food Assistance Program penalties for non-compliance with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements are applied.

(a) For the first noncompliance, food assistance benefits shall be terminated for a minimum of one month, or until compliance with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements, whichever is later, or the noncompliant AG member meets an exemption.

(b) For the second noncompliance, food assistance benefits shall be terminated for a minimum of three consecutive months, or until compliance with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements, whichever is later, or the noncompliant AG member meets an exemption.

(c) For the third noncompliance, food assistance benefits shall be terminated for a minimum of six consecutive months, or until compliance with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements, whichever is later, or the noncompliant AG member meets an exemption.

(d) Disqualification shall follow the AG member who was noncompliant. Assistance group ineligibility results when a disqualified individual joins a new AG as its head of household. The minimum penalty period of AG ineligibility referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above shall apply, as appropriate. If a disqualified individual joins the new AG as a member, only the disqualified AG member shall be ineligible for the remainder of the penalty period or the individual complies, whichever is later, or becomes exempt from Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements.

(e) Food Assistance Program AG members who are subject to and determined to meet the work requirements or alternative requirement plan requirements under the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program will also meet Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.11(k). If the AG member is penalized for failure to meet TCA Program requirements, the eligibility specialist must determine if the AG member meets a Food Assistance Employment and Training Program exemption. If the noncompliant AG member does not meet an exemption, Food Assistance Employment and Training Program penalties specified in this rule will be applied.

(4) Penalties for refusal to comply with the requirements of the Food Assistance Employment and Training Program shall not apply to non-English speaking persons if the Department failed to provide bilingual notices or forms in accordance with bilingual requirements of 7 C.F.R. § 272.4.

(5) Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs). Assistance group members who meet the definition of an ABAWD in 7 C.F.R. § 273.24 and are not exempt are referred to the RWB Service Center for Food Assistance Program participation.

(a) Remote Areas. Assistance group members subject to ABAWD provisions and living in areas designated as remote by the Department must sign form CF-ES 2095 to work register, but will not be required to participate in Food Assistance Program activities as long as the area is designated remote.

(b) Required Hours of Service. The required number of hours of service is determined by dividing the AG's food assistance allotment by the federal minimum wage. If more than one ABAWD is in an AG, divide the number of hours by the number of ABAWDs in the AG to determine the number of hours each ABAWD must comply with Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements. The maximum required hours of service cannot exceed 120 hours per month per food assistance AG. No individual's required hours of service will exceed 30 hours per week. Mandatory ABAWDs in AGs with individuals exempt from ABAWD provisions are required to participate the full amount of hours based on the AG's full food assistance allotment.

(c) Federal Waiver. The Department is granted a federal waiver of the ABAWD three-month time limit to receive food assistance each year for counties with high unemployment. Able-bodied adults without dependents who reside in the waiver areas must comply with work registration requirements and other Food Assistance Employment and Training Program requirements.

(6) Copies of materials incorporated by reference are available from the ACCESS Florida Headquarters Office, 1317 Winewood Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 or on the Department's web site at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/dcfforms/Search/DCFFormSearch.aspx.

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 65A-1.605^[6]

”

Georgia

Food Stamp (SNAP) Policy Manual, policy number 3355.1 (2023)

“

Chart 3355.1 ABAWD eligibility criteria.

ABAWD Work Requirement

ABAWDs who reside in the Time- Limited counties must meet the ABAWD Work Requirement to remain eligible. ABAWDs can meet the work requirement by participating in one of the following activities:

Working 20 hours per week, averaged 80 hours monthly.

Working means work in exchange for wages, goods or services, such as work in exchange for rent payment, in-kind work or unpaid work, such as volunteerism and/or community service and includes employment and self- employment.

Participating and complying with the requirements of the work program for 20 hours per week, averaged 80 hours monthly, such as WIOA or the SNAP Works Program.

Participating and complying with the requirements of the Comparable Workfare Component (see page 5).

Any combination of work and participating and complying with the requirements of a work program for 20 hours per week, averaged 80 hours monthly. NOTE: The hourly wage does not have to meet the federal minimum wage for participation purposes.^[6]

”

Hawaii

Hawaii Administrative Rules 17-684.1-6 (2023)

“

Food stamp work requirements; Work provisions; Work requirements.

As a condition of eligibility for food stamps, each household member not exempt under section 17-684.1-7, shall comply with the following work requirements:

(1) Register for work at the time of application and every twelve months after initial registration;

(A) A household member shall be considered to have registered when an identifiable work registration form is submitted to a branch office.

(B) The member required to register need not complete the registration form. Any household member or authorized representative may complete the registration form on behalf of the required member.

(C) If a household is eligible for expedited service, as specified in section 17-647-42, the applicant and those household members who must register for employment shall do so prior to being certified under the expedited service criteria; provided that the department shall postpone the registration of other household members if it cannot be accomplished within the expedited service time frame.

(2) Participate in the E&T program if assigned by the department;

(3) Respond to a request from the department or its designee for supplemental information regarding employment status and availability for work;

(4) Report to an employer to whom the household member is referred by the department or department designee, provided the potential employment is not deemed unsuitable as defined in section 17-684.1-48;

(5) Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment at a wage not less than the higher of either the applicable State or Federal minimum wage; and

(6) Not reduce work effort or voluntarily quit gainful employment, in accordance with subchapter 4.^[6]

”

Idaho

Idaho Code § 56-205 (2023)

“

Issuance of snap benefits.

(5)

(a) Under the authority given to a state agency to operate the general work requirement pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2015(d), the department of health and welfare shall assign all individuals who are over the age of seventeen (17) years and under the age of sixty (60) years to an employment and training program as defined in 7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4), unless the individual is:

(i) Currently subject to and complying with a work registration requirement under title IV of the social security act, as amended, or the federal-state unemployment insurance system, in which case, failure by such person to comply with any work requirement to which such person is subject shall be the same as failure to comply with the general work requirement;

(ii) A parent or other member of a household with responsibility for the care of a dependent child under the age of six (6) years or of an incapacitated person;

(iii) A bona fide student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education, except any such person enrolled in an institution of higher education who is ineligible to participate under 7 U.S.C. 2015(d);

(iv) A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program;

(v) Employed a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week or receiving weekly earnings that equal the minimum hourly rate under the fair labor standards act of 1938, as amended, multiplied by thirty (30) hours; or

(vi) A person between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years who is not a head of a household or who is attending school, or enrolled in an employment training program, on at least a half-time basis.^[6]

”

Illinois

Illinois Administrative Code title 89 § 121.18 (2023)

“

Work requirement

a) An individual is restricted to three months of eligibility for SNAP benefits during a 36-month period unless the individual meets the work requirement, or is exempt from meeting the work requirement, or the State is operating under an applicable federal waiver. The 36-month period is a fixed time period established by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for the entire State.

b) An individual meets the work requirement by working an average of 20 hours per week, or by participating in workfare for the required number of hours.

c) An individual is exempt from meeting the work requirement if the individual is:

1) under age 18 or over age 50;

2) medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment;

3) pregnant;

4) a student enrolled at least half time;

5) a member of a household responsible for a dependent child;

6) responsible for the care of an incapacitated person;

7) participating in a substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation program;

8) receiving weekly earnings of at least the federal minimum wage times 30 hours;

9) receiving Unemployment Insurance; or

10) residing in an area which is exempt from this requirement (see 7 U.S.C. 2015(o)(4)(A)(i) and (ii)).

d) An individual who has been denied eligibility because that individual does not meet the work requirement may qualify for three additional months of eligibility for food stamps in the 36-month period. To qualify for the three additional months of eligibility for food stamps, during a 30-day period the individual must:

1) work 80 or more hours; or

2) participate in and comply with workfare.

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 89, § 121.18

Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 4180, effective March 2, 2000.^[6]

”

Indiana

Indiana Code § 12-14-30-8 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

(a) As used in this section, "eligible individual" means an individual who:

(1) is:

(A) sixty (60) years of age or older; or

(B) a person with a disability, as determined under rules adopted by the division; and

(2) resides in a household every resident of which is:

(A) sixty (60) years of age or older; or

(B) a person with a disability, as determined under rules adopted by the division.

(b) The division shall develop and implement simplified requirements by which an eligible individual may certify or recertify the individual's eligibility for SNAP benefits.

(c) The simplified requirements under subsection (b) must:

(1) simplify and reduce the number of verification requirements for certifying and recertifying an eligible individual's eligibility to receive SNAP benefits, including by use of a shortened application form;

(2) allow an eligible individual to waive recertification interview requirements; and

(3) allow an eligible individual who certifies or recertifies the individual's eligibility to receive SNAP benefits under the simplified requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits for thirty-six (36) months after the certification or recertification.

(d) An eligible individual who certifies or recertifies the individual's eligibility to receive SNAP benefits under the simplified requirements under subsection (b) must:

(1) submit to the division a change reporting form not less than once every twelve (12) months during the thirty-six (36) month eligibility period described in subsection (c)(3); and

(2) notify the division, in accordance with federal law, if the individual's income increases.

(e) The division shall, in a manner that complies with federal law, use data matching to:

(1) identify; and

(2) provide information regarding SNAP eligibility to; eligible individuals who are receiving Medicaid and are eligible for SNAP benefits.

IC 12-14-30-8^[6]

”

Iowa

Iowa Administrative Code r. 441-65.28 (2023)

“

Upplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Administration; Work requirements.

(1) Persons required to register. Each household member who is not exempt by subrule 65.28(2) shall be registered for employment at the time of application, and once every 12 months after initial registration, as a condition of eligibility. Registration is accomplished when the applicant signs an application form that contains a statement that all members in the household who are required to register for work are willing to register for work. This signature registers all members of that SNAP household who are required to register.^[6]

”

Kansas

Kansas Statute § 39-709 (17) (a) (2023)

“

Eligibility requirements for temporary assistance for needy families, food assistance, child care subsidies, and medical assistance; prohibition of medicaid expansion; automatic assignment of support rights for children in custody of the secretary; non-cooperation and reporting failure; penalties; lien procedures and enforcement; fraud investigations and eligibility; rules and regulations.

(17)

(A) The secretary for children and families is prohibited from requesting or implementing a waiver or program from the United States department of agriculture for the time limited assistance provisions for able-bodied adults aged 18 through 49 without dependents in a household under the food assistance program. The time on food assistance for able-bodied adults aged 18 through 49 without dependents in the household shall be limited to three months in a 36-month period if such adults are not meeting the requirements imposed by the U.S. department of agriculture that they must work for at least 20 hours per week or participate in a federally approved work program or its equivalent.

(B) Each food assistance household member who is not otherwise exempt from the following work requirements shall: Register for work; participate in an employment and training program, if assigned to such a program by the department; accept a suitable employment offer; and not voluntarily quit a job of at least 30 hours per week.

(C) Any recipient who has not complied with the work requirements under subparagraph (B) shall be ineligible to participate in the food assistance program for the following time period and until the recipient complies with such work requirements for a:

(i) First penalty, three months;

(ii) second penalty, six months; and

(iii) third penalty and any subsequent penalty, one year.

(D) The Kansas department for children and families shall assign all individuals subject to the requirements established under 7 U.S.C. § 2015 (d)(1) to an employment and training program as defined in 7 U.S.C. § 2015 (d)(4). The provisions of this subparagraph shall only apply to:

(i) Able-bodied adults aged 18 through 49 without dependents;

(ii) work registrants aged 50 through 59 without dependents not exempt from 7 U.S.C. § 2015 (d)(2); and

(iii) individuals who are not employed at least 30 hours per week.^[6]

”

Kentucky

921 Kentucky Administrative Regulations 3:027 (2022)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Technical requirements.

(8) Work requirement.

(a) Except for individuals who may be eligible for up to three (3) additional months in accordance with paragraph (e) of this subsection, an individual shall not be eligible to participate in SNAP as a member of a household if the individual received SNAP for more than three (3) countable months during any three (3) year period, during which the individual did not:

1. Work eighty (80) hours or more per month;

2. Participate in and comply with the requirements of the E&T component pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2015(d) for twenty (20) hours or more per week;

3. Participate in and comply with the requirements of a program pursuant to:

a.7 C.F.R. 273.5(a); or

b.19 U.S.C. 2296;

4. Participate in and comply with the requirements established in 921 KAR 3:042; or

5. Receive SNAP benefits pursuant to paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection.^[6]

”

Louisiana

Louisiana Administrative Code title 67 § III-1940 (2023)

“

Work Participation Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents.

A. Individuals are ineligible to continue to receive SNAP benefits if, during the current 36-month fixed clock period they received SNAP benefits for at least 3 months (consecutive or otherwise) while that individual did not either:

1. work (including paid or unpaid) an average of 20 hours per week or participate in and comply with a program under Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program, or employment and training program (other than a job search or job search training program) for an average of 20 hours per week;

2. participate in a combination of work and training as described in Paragraph A.1 of this Section for an average of 20 hours per week; or

3. participate in and comply with a workfare program.

B. An individual is exempt from this requirement if the individual is:

1. under age 18, or 50 years of age or older;

2. medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment;

3. residing in a SNAP household where a household member is under age 18, even if the household member who is under age 18 is not eligible to receive SNAP benefits;

4. pregnant; or

5. otherwise exempt from work registration requirements.

C. Individuals can regain eligibility for assistance.

1. Individuals denied eligibility under Subsection A of this Section can regain eligibility if during a 30-day period the individual:

a. works 80 hours or more, or participates in and complies with a Program under WIOA, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act Program, or Employment and Training Program (other than a job search or job search training program) for 80 hours or more; or

b. any combination of work and participation in a program identified in Subparagraph C.l.a. of this Section for a total of 80 hours or more; or

c. participates in and complies with a workfare program (under Section 20 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 or a comparable state or local program) for 80 hours or more.

2. An individual who regained eligibility and who is no longer fulfilling the work requirement is eligible for three consecutive countable months one time during the 36-month fixed-clock period, starting on the date the individual first notifies the agency that he or she is no longer fulfilling the work requirement, unless the individual has been satisfying the work requirement by participating in a work, training, or workfare program, in which case the period starts on the date the agency notifies the individual that he or she is no longer meeting the work requirement.

D. The first countable month of this provision is November, 1996.^[6]

”

Maine

10-144-301 Maine Code R. § 100-FS 111-7 (2023)

“

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).

1.GENERAL RULE

A. An Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) is an individual who is-

(1) at least 18 years of age, and

(2) in a SNAP household with no members under the age of eighteen (18).

B. An individual is no longer an ABAWD-

(1) As of September 1, 2023, beginning the month they turn fifty-two (52) years of age.

(2) As of October 1, 2023, beginning the month they turn fifty-four (54) years of age.

(3) As of October 1, 2024, beginning the month they turn fifty-six (56) years of age

(4) As of October 1, 2030, beginning the month they turn fifty (50) years of age.

2.WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. An ABAWD is not eligible for SNAP benefits if, during a "fixed" 36-month period, the ABAWD received SNAP benefits for three countable months or more and was not at the same time:

(1) working in paid employment of at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(2) participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) or a work program under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TRA) for at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(3) participating in and complying with the requirements of an employment training program operated or supervised by the State or political sub-division of the State, other than a job search program or a job search training program, for at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(4) participating in and complying with the requirements of a workfare program or volunteer community service for a monthly maximum of the value of the household benefit divided by state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. Hourly requirements of a workfare program or volunteer community service are determined by dividing the SNAP household benefit allotment by the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. Pursuant to Section 20(c) of the Social Security Act, no member will be required to work in any workfare or volunteer position to the extent that such work exceeds in value the allotment to which the household is otherwise entitled or that such work, when added to any other hours worked during such week by such member for compensation (in cash or in kind) in any other capacity, exceeds thirty hours a week.^[6]

”

Maryland

Maryland Code Regs. 07.03.17.23 (2023)

“

Work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents.

A. Except as described in §§B(6) and (7) and G of this regulation, an individual may not participate in the Program as a member of a household if, during a 36-month period, the individual received Program benefits for at least 3 months as described in §F of this regulation, consecutive or not, during which the individual did not:

(1) Work 20 hours or more per week averaged monthly;

(2) For 20 hours or more per week, participate in and comply with:

(a) A Welfare Innovation Act program;

(b) A Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program; or

(c) An employment and training program;

(3) Combine work and participation in a work program as described in §A(2) of this regulation that totals 20 hours a week averaged monthly;

(4) Participate and comply with the requirements of a workfare program under §20 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, or a comparable program established by the State or local government; or

(5) Qualify for an exemption under §B or C of this regulation.^[6]

”

Massachusetts

106 Massachusetts Reg. 362.320 (2023)

“

Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Program.

(A)Mandatory Population and Requirements. All nonexempt household members between 18 and 49 years of age must:

(1) Register for work at application and every 12 months after initial registration; and

(2) Do one of the following:

(a) Work at a job, or combination of jobs, for 20 hours per week averaged monthly. The work performed may be done in exchange for money, in exchange for goods or services (in-kind work) or may be unpaid work;

(b) Work at a community service site for a specified number of hours per month determined by dividing the monthly SNAP allotment by the (higher of the State or Federal) minimum wage;

(c) Participate in a qualifying SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, including basic education, vocational or technical training, or on-the-job training for 20 hours per week. Job search activies associated with E&T components must make up less than half of the required participation hours; or

(d) Work at a job less than 20 hours per week and participate in a qualifying SNAP E&T program component or a WIOA activity for a combined total of 20 hours per week averaged monthly; and

(3) Provide information to the Department regarding employment status or job availability when requested; and

(4) Any SNAP household member currently meeting his or her ABAWD work program requirement may volunteer to participate in an Employment and Training Program as described in 106 CMR 362.310(B) if a slot is available.^[6]

”

Michigan

Michigan Administrative Code R. 400.171 (2023)

“

Food Stamps. Definitions.

As used in this act:

(a) "Association" means an association as defined in former section 108 of the savings and loan act of 1980, former 1980 PA 307.

(b) "Department" means the department of human services.

(c) "Food stamps" means the coupons issued pursuant to the food stamp program established under the food stamp act of 1977, 7 USC 2011 to 2036a.

(d) "Institution" means an institution as defined in section 1202 of the banking code of 1999, 1999 PA 276, MCL 487.11202.

(e) "Credit union" means a domestic credit union as that term is defined in section 102 of the credit union act, 2003 PA 215, MCL 490.101 to 490.601.^[6]

”

Bridges Eligibility Manual BEM 230B (2018)

“

Employment-related activities.

WORK REQUIREMENTS Non-deferred adult members of FAP households must comply with certain work-related requirements in order to receive food assistance. However, unlike cash benefits, which are tied to participation in Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH), there are no hourly requirements for the Food Assistance Program. In order to receive FAP benefits, non-deferred adults must comply with the following work requirements:

Non-deferred adults must be registered for work and be informed of work requirements.

Non-deferred adults who are already working may not do any of the following:

• Voluntarily quit a job of 30 hours or more per week without good cause.

• Voluntarily reduce hours of employment below 30 hours per week without good cause.

Note: If the job quit or reduction in hours occurred more than 30 days prior to the application date, no penalty applies.^[6]

”

Minnesota

Minnesota Statute § 256D.60 (2022)

“

Snap Employment And Training Program.

Subdivision 1.SNAP employment and training.

The commissioner shall implement a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) employment and training program that meets the SNAP employment and training participation requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture governed by Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 273.7. The commissioner shall operate a SNAP employment and training program in which SNAP recipients elect to participate. In order to receive SNAP assistance beyond the time limit, unless residing in an area covered by a time-limit waiver governed by Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 273.24, nonexempt SNAP recipients who do not meet federal SNAP work requirements must participate in an employment and training program. In addition to county and Tribal agencies that administer SNAP, the commissioner may contract with third-party providers for SNAP employment and training services.^[6]

”

Mississippi

18 Mississisppi Code R. § 14-13.2 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual. ABAWD work requirements.

An ABAWD will comply with the work requirement by either:

A. Working 20 hours per week or averaged monthly to 80 hours a month;

1. Work in exchange for money;

2. Work in exchange for goods or services, known as "in kind" work;

3. Unpaid work as verified by MDHS; or

4. Any combination of the above.

B. Participating and complying with the requirements of a work program 20 hours per week as determined by MDHS;

C. Combining working and participating in a work program for a total of 20 hours per week as determined by MDHS; or

D. Participating and complying with a workfare program.

18 Miss. Code. R. § 14-13.2^[6]

”

Missouri

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Manual 1105.035.00 (2023))

“

Able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements

Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Requirements IM-71 August 31, 2023; IM-48 May 10, 2023; IM-38 March 14, 2019; IM-53 May 22, 2017; IM-94 October 19, 2015; IM-32 June 16, 2014; IM-106 December 7, 2006; IM-103 November 6, 2006; IM-101 November 2, 2006; IM-100 October 20, 2006; IM-133 December 21, 2004; IM-194 October 24, 2001; IM-32 April 1, 1999

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) limits the receipt of SNAP benefits to any three months in a 36 month period for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who are:

not working (80 hours or more per calendar month), and/or
participating in and complying with the requirements of a qualified training program for 80 hours or more per calendar month

To receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36 month period, all ABAWDs must comply with a training/work requirement. Any month the ABAWD is not complying with a training/work requirement and receives a full month SNAP benefits is considered a non-work month and counts toward the 3 month limit.

Exception: After receiving SNAP benefits for 3 non-work months, ABAWDS can regain eligibility in certain circumstances. (See section 1105.035.40 Regaining SNAP Eligibility)

When a household member turns 18 years old during the certification period, the participant becomes subject to the training/work requirement the month following their birthday. Household members are exempt the month they turn 51 years old.

Per the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, ABAWD age limits will change as described below:

As of 10/01/2023, 18-52 years old are the ABAWD age limits,
As of 10/01/2024, 18-54 years old are the ABAWD age limits.

The 36 month period is a “fixed clock”.^[6]

”

Montana

Montana Code Annotated § 53-2-091 (2023)

“

Food stamp program.

(1) The department of public health and human services hereby adopts and incorporates by reference 7 CFR 271 through 275, as amended through December 31, 2001, which are the food stamp program regulations as adopted by the food and nutrition services, United States department of agriculture. These federal regulations set forth the food stamp program and include general information and definitions, requirements for participating state agencies, certification of eligible households, issuance and use of food coupons, performance reporting system and state agency liabilities and federal sanctions. A copy of 7 CFR 271 through 275, as amended through December 31, 2001, may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, 111 N. Sanders, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604-4210.^[6]

”

Nebraska

475 Nebraska Administrative Code, ch. 3, § 001 (2020)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Nonfinancial eligibility standards.

001.04(N)ABLE BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS WORK REQUIREMENTS. Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents are eligible for only three full months of benefits during a 36-month period without meeting an Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents work requirement or qualifying for an Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents work requirement exemption. Months of prorated benefits do not count in the three months. An Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents 36-month period begins the first full month the individual does not meet an Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents work requirement or qualify for an Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents exemption.

001.04(N)(i)WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS. Individual's age 18 through 49 are ineligible to receive benefits after three full months unless they meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Working 20 or more hours per week, including in-kind or volunteer work, or a total of 80 hours per month;

(2) Participating in and complying 20 or more hours per week or a total of 80 hours per month with the requirements of a work program. A work program means:

(a) A program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;

(b) A program under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974; or

(c) An employment and training program other than job search or job search training approved by the State; or

(3) Any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 20 or more hours per week or a total of 80 hours per month.^[6]

”

Nevada

Nevada Revised Statute § 422A.339 (2023)

“

Calculation of period prescribed for determining whether federal work requirement for eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is met; waiver of and exemptions from requirement; workfare program.

1. The Department shall:

(a) Calculate the 36-month period prescribed by 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(2) such that the period begins and ends on fixed, definite dates that are the same for each recipient of benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in this State and runs continuously.

(b) Seek a waiver pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(4) whenever this State or any portion thereof is eligible for a waiver under the provisions of that section to allow a group of persons who are otherwise subject to the 3-month limit to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(2) to continue to receive such benefits without meeting the federal requirements.

(c) Adopt regulations to establish a voluntary workfare program in accordance with the requirements set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(m)(8) to allow a person to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(2) by participating in such a program. The voluntary workfare program must provide that participants will receive benefits at a rate equivalent to the state minimum wage.

2. The Division may:

(a) To the extent authorized by the provisions of 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(6), grant exemptions to persons from the 3-month limit to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(2); and

(b) Prioritize a person for such an exemption:

(1) If the person works more than 20 hours per week for part of a year and less than 20 hours per week for the remainder of the year;

(2) For 1 year after the person was discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard;

(3) If the person does not have custody of his or her child but is responsible for child support; or

(4) If the person is an unpaid caregiver for a parent, child or sibling who is elderly or disabled.

3. The Division may contract with appropriate persons or entities to assist in determining whether a person is eligible to receive benefits under the provisions of any waiver granted pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 or is eligible for any available exemption from the 3-month limit for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits prescribed by 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(2).

NRS 422A.339^[6]

”

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Administrative Code, Rule He-W 702.01 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefit issuance. Method of issuance.

(a) Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits shall be issued to eligible individuals through the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system, pursuant to 7 CFR 274.1(b) (1) .

(b) An individual who is determined eligible to receive SNAP benefits shall:

(1) Obtain an EBT card through:

a. The district office; or

b. The mail, from the department;

(2) Select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the EBT Card:

a. At the district office; or

b. Using an automated method made available through the department's EBT contractor;

(3) Access the EBT account with the EBT card using the PIN; and (4) Be responsible for the security of the EBT card and PIN.

(c) The casehead for SNAP assistance groups shall also serve as the EBT account holder.

(d) An individual or authorized representative (AR) obtaining an EBT card at the district office shall present proof of identity, pursuant to the examples of acceptable documentary evidence described at 7 CFR 273.2(f) (1) (vii) , before being given the EBT card.

(e) An individual described in (b), above, shall be allowed to designate an AR, pursuant to He-W 603.01, to:

(1) Receive an EBT card on behalf of the individual and select a PIN for the card chosen by the AR;

(2) Obtain the card on the individual's behalf for subsequent selection of a PIN by the individual using the automated method made available through the EBT contractor; or

(3) Perform the PIN selection at the district office for the individual with the PIN provided by the individual to the AR.

(f) An individual shall not obtain the AR's EBT card on behalf of the AR when the individual has authorized the AR to receive the EBT card pursuant to (d) above.

(g) SNAP benefits which have not been accessed by the individual for a period of 365 calendar days after the date the benefits were issued shall be considered no longer available to the individual and permanently removed from the EBT account, pursuant to 7 CFR 274.2(h) (2) .

(h) EBT benefits shall be replaced by the department pursuant to 7 CFR 274.6.

(i) An individual shall request a replacement EBT card through the department's EBT contractor or the district office. N.H. Code Admin. R. He-W 702.01^[6]

”

New Jersey

New Jersey Administrative Code § 10:87-10.20 (2023)

“

Mandatory work activity for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS).

(a) Under the ABAWDS provision, unless exempt, an individual cannot continue to receive NJ SNAP benefits if, for more than three full calendar months within a fixed 36-month period, he or she did not:

1. Work at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly);

i. A recipient who is an employee under contract for employment on average of 20 hours/week (for example, a school employee) shall be considered to be continuing to meet the 20 hours per week requirement during temporary breaks between contracts, provided the employee intends to continue such employment after the contract expires, and that the total hours worked throughout the calendar year average at 20 hours per week; or

2. For 20 hours or more per week, participate in and comply with a WIA or Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) program activity, or NJ SNAP Employment and Training Program (NJ SNAP ETP) activity other than a job search or job search training program; or

3. Participate in and comply with a NJ SNAP workfare program, or a State-approved workfare program.^[6]

”

New Mexico

New Mexico Administrative Code R. § 8.139.410.14 (2023)

“

Requirements for able bodied adults.

ISD will administer this program in accordance with 7 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 273.24. This program is referred to as the time limit rule or the able bodied adults without dependents ("ABAWD") program. The program is mandatory at all times unless there is a federally approved statewide waiver in place in accordance with 7 CFR 273.24(f). A statewide waiver makes the program non-mandatory for all ABAWDs who would otherwise be subject to the three month time limit requirement. When a statewide waiver is not in place, ABAWDs are mandatory for all requirements as detailed below. ISD will inform all potential ABAWD households of the ABAWD time limit prior to the expiration of a statewide waiver. ISD will use a fixed 36 month period for measurement and tracking purposes beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2020, and every subsequent fixed three year period.

A.Able bodied adults can comply by: working 20 hours per week, averaged monthly; for purposes of this provision, 20 hours per week averaged monthly means 80 hours per month; work is defined as:

(1) work in exchange for money;

(2) work in exchange for goods or services ("in kind" work); or

(3) unpaid work, which includes work without compensation that gives a person experience in a job or industry, tests a person's job skills, or involves volunteer time and effort to a not-for-profit organization.^[6]

”

New York

New York Social Service L § 95 (2021)

“

Work registration, registration exemptions, and certain eligibility requirements for food stamp applicants and recipients.

(d) Food stamp eligibility requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS).

(1) No individual may participate in the food stamp program if, for at least three months within the most recent 36-month period, he/she participated in such program and did not:

(i) work for at least 80 hours per month; provided, however, that work means:

(a) work in exchange for money;

(b) work in exchange for goods and services ("in-kind" work) or unpaid work (volunteer). For purposes of this subdivision there is no hourly wage requirement, but, the work performed may not violate any State or Federal law or regulation; or

(ii) participate in, for at least 80 hours per month, and comply with the requirements of a work program assigned to such individual by the social services official in accordance with the requirement of this Part, or programs operated under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or section 236 of the Federal Trade Act of 1974. Such programs may contain job search or job search training as a subsidiary component if hourly participation in job search or job search training comprises less than one-half of the total hours of participation in any month; or

(iii) work and participate in work programs described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph for a combined total of at least 80 hours per month; or

(iv) participate in and comply with the requirements of a program established by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of section 20 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 or a comparable program established by the commissioner in accordance with the requirements of this Part.^[6]

”

North Carolina

Food and nutrition services certification 260.00 (2023)

“

Food and nutrition services certification; Eligibility requirements; Fns 260 able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS).

3. Participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program for an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) including:

a. A program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);

b. A program under Trade Adjustment Assistance Act Program (TAA);

c. A program that includes qualifying ABAWD activities so long as job search and/or job search training is less than half hours required by of the program (See chart below).

d. ABAWDs are not required to participate in a work program for longer than the 20 hours per week to fulfill the ABAWD work requirement. However, if the ABAWD has been referred to an E&T program in order to fulfill the ABAWD work requirement, the E&T program may require additional hours of participation.

e. An ABAWDs total hours of required participation in E&T, together with any hours worked for compensation in cash or in-kind (including work experience) cannot exceed 120 hours per month. Participants may volunteer for additional hours of training.

f. ABAWDs participating in a work program can combine job search and/or job search training (9 hours maximum) with other ABAWD qualifying activities to allow ABAWDs to meet the 20-hour weekly work requirement (See chart below).^[6]

”

North Dakota

SNAP Policy 430-05-40 (2004)

“

Work requirements 430-05-40-05.

Individuals are required to:

• Register for work by completing the SFN 385 - Affidavit for SNAP Work Requirements at the time of application and every 12 months.

• Seek and accept suitable employment.

• Have good cause when quitting suitable employment.

• Comply with Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) and Basic Employment Skills Training (BEST) requirements.

• Comply with Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB). Based on discussion with the State Job Service Office and requirements for receipt of unemployment benefits, there is no failure to comply with UIB requirements. The individual simply does not receive a benefit.^[6]

”

Ohio

Ohio Administrative Code 5101:4-3-20 (2023)

“

Food assistance: able-bodied adults without dependents.

(B) What are the work requirements for an ABAWD?

(1) Every ABAWD shall comply with:

(a) The work registration requirements described in rule 5101:4-3-11.1 of the Administrative Code; and

(b) The SNAP employment and training (SNAP E&T) program requirements described in rule 5101:4-3-30 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Every ABAWD that does not reside in a county subject to a waiver of the ABAWD time-limit approved in accordance with 7 C.F.R. 273.24 (01/2021), shall either:

(a) Participate in and comply with a SNAP E&T work experience program (WEP) activity for the maximum number of hours permitted by rule 5101:4-3-31 of the Administrative Code; or

(b) For twenty hours per week (twenty hours per week averaged monthly means eighty hours per month) as determined by the county agency:

(i) Participate in one or more SNAP E&T components, other than supervised job search, operated or supervised by a state or political subdivision of a state that meets standards approved by the governor of the state, including a program under section 7 C.F.R. 273.7(e) (01/2021). Such a program may contain supervised job search as a subsidiary activity as long as such an activity is less than half the requirement;

(a) When an individual is assigned to a work-based learning program component for the maximum number of hours permitted by rule 5101:4-3-31 of the Administrative Code and the maximum number of hours permitted is less than twenty hours per week, the individual is to be assigned to another SNAP E&T activity for the number of hours necessary to bring the total number of hours to twenty hours per week,

(b) When an individual is assigned to job retention services as described in rule 5101:4-3-39 of the Administrative Code, the hours are to count toward the twenty hour per week ABAWD work requirement, except for when assigned to job retention supportive services; or

(ii) In combination with hours spent in SNAP E&T activities, be engaged in work or a work program.^[6]

”

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Administrative Code § 340:50-5-100 (2023)

“

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements and time limits.

(a)ABAWD work requirements. Per Section 273.24(a) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 C.F.R. § 273.24(a)) , an ABAWD meets work requirements when he or she:

(1) works continuously 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly. Averaged monthly means 80 hours per month. The employment may be paid, in-kind, unpaid, or volunteer work with religious or community organizations;

(2) participates in and complies with the requirements of a work program 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly. Work programs include:

(A) a program assignment under Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Public Law (P.L.) 113-128;

(B) a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, Section 2296 of Title 19 of the United States Code (19 U.S.C. § 2296);

(C) an Oklahoma Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Works (OK SNAP Works) assignment, not including job search, supervised job search, or job search training activities. However, job search, supervised job search, or job search training activities, when offered as part of other program components, are acceptable if those activities comprise less than half the total required time spent in the components; or

(D) any employment and training program that serves veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(3) works and participates in a work program for a total of 20 or more hours per week, averaged monthly; or

(4) meets an exemption from the work requirements per (d) of this Section.^[6]

”

Oregon

Oregon Administrative Rules 461-135-0520 (2023)

“

Time Limit and Special Requirements for ABAWD; SNAP.

(4) An individual with an ABAWD status must submit evidence to the Department within 90 days following the month they received the countable month to show they were exempt or met the 80 hour activity requirement.^[6]

”

Pennsylvania

55 Pennsylvania Code § 501.6 (2023)

“

Food stamp discretionary provisions; Employment and Training Program.

(a)Employment and Training Program participation- 7 CFR 273.7(f). A person required to register for work and not exempted from placement in the Department's Employment and Training Program shall participate in the Employment and Training Program. Failure to participate without good cause shall result in disqualification.

(b)Persons exempt from work registration Employment and Training Program registration- 7 CFR 273.7(f)(2). In addition to the exemptions in 7 CFR 273.7(b)(1) (relating to work requirements), individuals who meet the description in paragraphs (1)-(5) have been determined as a group to be exempt from participation in the Employment and Training Program as follows:

(1) A person who is homeless.

(2) A person expected to return to work within 60 days.

(3) A woman who is pregnant if it has been medically verified that the child will be born within the 6 months immediately following the month when registration would otherwise be required.

(4) A person who is remote from an employment and training site. Remoteness is defined as residing in a location which is more than 2 hours in round trip commute by reasonably available public or private transportation from an Employment and Training Program site.

(5) A person who is a full-time volunteer serving in the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Program.

(c)Employment and Training State Plan- 7 CFR 273.7(c)(4) and (5). The Employment and Training Program shall be operated in accordance with the Department's Employment and Training State Plan as approved by the Food and Nutrition Service.^[6]

”

Rhode Island

218-20-00 Rhode Island Code of Regulations § 1.11 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Work Requirements; Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs).

B. Work Requirements

1. Unless exempt, an ABAWD is ineligible to participate in SNAP as a member of any household if s/he has, in a thirty-six (36) month period, received SNAP benefits for three (3) months (consecutive or otherwise) during which s/he did not:

a. Work twenty (20) or more hours per week, averaged monthly;

b. Participate in and comply with the requirements of a work program for twenty (20) or more hours per week;

c. Participate in and comply with the requirements of an appropriate SNAP E&T (unpaid) Work Experience Program (if it is an available component under the RI SNAP E&T plan);

d. Receive benefits due to exemption from these work requirements; or,

e. Receive benefits due to regaining eligibility as discussed in § 1.11.9(H) of this Part.^[6]

”

South Carolina

South Carolina Code Regulations § 114-1300 (2023)

“

Food Stamp Program; General.

A. The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture. The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is authorized by the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended. The eligibility provisions of the Act are further developed in Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 210 through 299.

(1) If an alternative is provided and the State does not select the alternative, the primary federal regulation prevails.

(2) Certain parts of these regulations permit the State to select options regarding FSP eligibility criteria. The State follows the federal regulations where no options are permitted.

(3) The State may also submit "waivers" of federal regulations to Food and Nutrition Service for approval that will permit the State to operate certain parts of the FSP according to regulations developed by the state and different than those specified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Such "waivers" are approved for a certain period of time and must be resubmitted for renewal prior to the end of the approved time period.

The State Regulations for the FSP address only the areas where the federal regulations allow the State to chose an option or where the State has obtained a waiver from those regulations.

The Department of Social Services is the designated single State Agency to operate the FSP.

B. Each of the forty-six counties is considered to be a project area for the Food Stamp Program. Applicants may apply for food stamps in any of the forty-six counties within the state. Their eligibility will be determined and maintained in the county in which they currently reside. When a food stamp household moves from one county to another county the food stamp case will remain open. The Department of Social Services County Office will review the household's circumstances and act on any changes resulting from the move.

C. The Department will extend categorical eligibility to any household in which all members receive or are authorized to receive non-cash or in-kind services from a program that is less than 50 percent funded with Title IV-A money and that is designed to further purposes one and two of the TANF block grant.

D. The Department will use TANF vehicle allowance rules when determining whether a vehicle is an excluded resource. These rules will exclude one licensed/registered vehicle per licensed driver in the household

E. The Department may opt to provide households leaving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) with transitional food stamp benefits. When the household leaves TANF, the Department will freeze the household's food stamp benefit amount at the level the household received when it received TANF. This does not apply to households that, at the time the household leaves TANF, are noncompliant with TANF requirements and the Department is imposing a comparable food stamp sanction, households who have violated a food stamp work requirement, households where a member has committed an intentional program violation, or households where the TANF case is being closed because the household failed to comply with food stamp reporting requirements.

F. The Department of Social Services may opt to operate a Simplified Food Stamp Program to conform FSP regulations to the State regulations used to determine eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. At such time as requirements for such a program are developed, the Department will provide an opportunity for public input. The State Regulations contained in Chapter 114, Article 13, Food Stamp Program, apply to all Food Stamp Program recipients except for those who would receive food stamps under the provisions of the Simplified Food Stamp Program (Section 26 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended) at such time as it is developed.

G. The State will submit to FNS for renewal annually, the "waiver" to exempt all counties with an annual unemployment rate greater than ten percent and all counties identified as labor surplus areas from policy pertaining to individuals identified as Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Individuals identified as ABAWDS are limited to receipt of three months of food stamp benefits in a three year period unless they are complying with minimum work requirements.^[6]

”

South Dakota

South Dakota Administrative Rules 67:13:03:21 (2023)

“

Supplemental nutrition assistance program; Budgeting; Eligibility and allotment determination.

The department shall determine supplemental nutrition assistance eligibility and the amount of assistance based on the most recently reported information if the change in income or circumstances is obtained from one of the following:

(1) The application, recertification, or report form completed by the household;

(2) The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program available through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services;

(3) The State Data Exchange or Beneficiary Data Exchange computer interface system match with the Social Security Administration;

(4) The unemployment insurance benefits computer interface system match with the Department of Labor;

(5) A hearing decision, including a decision establishing an intentional program violation;

(6) A department employment specialist, a Department of Labor employment specialist, or a Department of Labor supplemental nutrition assistance employment and training representative;

(7) Report of refusal to cooperate as specified in § 67:13:03:22;

(8) The household reports their gross income exceeds the maximum gross income as identified in 7 C.F.R. § 273.10 (e)(4) based on household size and living arrangements;

(9) The household requests their case closed;

(10) A member of the household applies for supplemental nutrition assistance in another state on their own behalf or with another assistance unit in the state;

(11) The household reports moving out-of-state or the postal service returns mail indicating a household member has moved out-of-state;

(12) An action to budget a future known change;

(13) An action to correct information that was incorrectly reported;

(14) An eligible ABAWD working at least 20 hours a week who discontinues that employment or whose work hours are reduced to less than 20 hours a week;

(15) An eligible ABAWD who has received three months of eligibility in the allowed 36 month period and is no longer eligible;

(16) Postponed verification was received due to expedited service;

(17) The household, Division of Child Protection Services, Division of Child Support, or the appropriate tribal child protection office reports a change in individuals residing in the household;

(18) The household's TANF grant has changed or stopped;

(19) Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS); or

(20) Information is received indicating an individual in the household is residing in an institution for a period longer than 30 days.

If a change other than those specified above is reported to the department and verification is provided, the department may change the amount of assistance based on the reported and verified changes only if the calculation results in an increase in the allotment amount.^[6]

”

Tennessee

Tennessee Code § 71-5-317 (2023)

“

Food Stamps; Limitations on exemptions from work requirements applicable to able-bodied adults without dependents.

(a)

(1) The department shall submit a report to the general assembly no later than October 31, 2022, and annually thereafter, to include the following:

(A) Information from the preceding federal fiscal year related to all instances in which the department sought, applied for, accepted, or renewed a waiver of or exemption to work requirements under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) during that federal fiscal year, including details about why the waiver or exemption was sought, applied for, accepted, or renewed, the duration of the waiver or exemption, and the location where the waiver or exemption was applicable; and

(B) Information from the preceding federal fiscal year related to the number of recipients receiving SNAP benefits in this state, the amount of benefits received, the number of recipients subject to the work requirements of SNAP, and the number of recipients participating in the SNAP employment and training program.

(2) The report may be submitted electronically.

(b) The department shall not provide an exemption under 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)(6)(E) from the work requirements applicable to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) if the individual:

(1) Refuses, at the time of application and every twelve (12) months thereafter, to register for employment in a manner prescribed by the United States department of agriculture;

(2) Refuses, without good cause, to participate in an employment and training program to the extent required by the department;

(3) Refuses, without good cause, to provide the department with sufficient information to allow the department to determine the employment status or the job availability of the individual; or

(4) Voluntarily and without good cause quits a job or reduces work effort and, after the reduction, the individual is working less than thirty (30) hours per week.^[6]

”

Texas

40 Texas Administrative Code § 813 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment And Training; Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) ABAWD--a SNAP household member who is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to be a mandatory work registrant and is:

(A) classified as an able-bodied adult;

(B) at least 18 but less than 50 years of age;

(C) without dependents; and

(D) subject to a limitation on the receipt of SNAP benefits for three months out of 36 months if the person does not work at least 20 hours per week or participate in employment and training activities as specified in 7 U.S.C. §2015(o)(2)(A) - (B).^[6]

”

Utah

UT Admin Code R 986-900-901 (2023)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Authority for food stamps and applicable rules.

(1) Food stamps provide assistance to eligible individuals in accordance with the requirements found in: The Food Stamp Act of 1977 as amended ( 7 USC 2011 et seq); 7 CFR 271 through 7 CFR 283; and PRWORA and its amendments. The complete text of all applicable federal laws and regulations can be found at the United States Department of Agriculture web site at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/. Federal regulations are also available at most public libraries, on the Internet at: http://access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/7cfrv4_00.html, at the Department of Workforce Services, Division of Employment Development, Appeals Division 2nd Floor, 140 E 300 S, Salt Lake City UT, 84145; or at the Division of Administrative Rules, 4120 State Office Building, Salt Lake City UT, 84114. The state maintains a policy manual describing the benefits and eligibility requirements for receipt of food stamps. The policy manual is available on the Department's Internet web site. The provisions of 7 CFR 271 through 7 CFR 283(2000) are incorporated herein by reference.

(2) The provisions of R986-100 apply to food stamps except where specifically noted otherwise.^[6]

”

Vermont

13-005 Code of Vermont Rules 13-170-005-X 104 (2023)

“

Food Stamps; Work Requirements.

q. Work Requirement for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

1. To be eligible for food stamps, an individual must meet at least one of the following three criteria:

a. He/she must meet the work, work program or workfare requirement defined in paragraph 3 below.

b. He/she must meet one of the exemption criteria in paragraph 2 below.

c. He/she must have received food stamps in fewer than 3 of the preceding 36 months during which he or she did not also meet the work, work program, or workfare requirement defined in paragraph 3 below, excluding any months in which the individual was exempt according to paragraph 2 below.^[6]

”

Virginia

Code of Virginia § 63.2-801 (2023)

“

SNAP benefits program.

A. The Board is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to implement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board regulations.

B. To the extent authorized by federal law and regulations, the Board shall (i) establish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2 (j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard for SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii) not impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits.

C. The Board shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through postsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the greatest extent allowed by federal law and regulations, to satisfy applicable employment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Board shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in the Commonwealth that meet the definition of "employment and training program" as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of "career and technical education" as set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant's classroom and study hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program participant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP benefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study position but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have satisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under federal law; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits program participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party reimbursement designation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and make available to SNAP benefits program participants materials that provide clear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements through postsecondary education.

D. The Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each school board in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform the parents of students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.^[6]

”

Washington

Washington Administrative Code § 388-444-0030 (2023)

“

Basic food work requirements.

Are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) subject to additional work requirements and time limits to be eligible for basic food?

1) An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) is a person who:

(a) Is age eighteen through forty-nine; and

(b) Is fit for work and not exempted under WAC 388444-003.

(2) If you are an ABAWD, you must participate in work activities under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) A nonexempt ABAWD is not eligible to receive food assistance for more than three full months (which do not have to be consecutive months), not including any partial benefit months in a thirty-six month period, unless the ABAWD:

(a) Works an average of eighty hours per month, including:

(i) Work in exchange for money;

(ii) Work in exchange for goods or services ("in kind" work);

(iii) Unpaid work that is verified according to department requirements; or

(iv) Any combination of (a)(i) through (iii) of this subsection;

(b) Participates in one of the following work programs and is meeting the requirements of that work program:

(i) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014;

(ii) Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974;

(iii) A state-approved employment and training program at least an average of eighty hours per month; or

(c) Participates in an unpaid work program as provided in WAC 388-444-0040.^[6]

”

West Virginia

West Virginia Code § 9-8-2 (2023)

“

Eligibility and fraud requirements for public assistance; Work requirements.

(a) All able bodied adults may receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits for only three months in each 36-month period. Recipients are exempt from the time limit if they are employed or are participating and complying with the requirements of a work, education, or volunteer program for at least 20 hours per week: Provided, That further exemptions may apply and shall be determined in accordance with federal law: Provided, however, That any such exemptions shall not exceed those granted by federal law.

(b) Beginning October 1, 2018, the department shall discontinue and shall not seek federal waivers granted pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2015(o) for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) for any county that cannot be demonstrated to have, through data in conformance with U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology set forth under federal law, a recent 12-month average unemployment rate above 10 percent; a recent 24-month average unemployment rate 20 percent above the national average for the same 24-month period; qualification for extended unemployment benefits; or designation as a “labor surplus area” by the U.S. Department of Labor. These waivers exempt able bodied adults with no children from work requirements for receipt of SNAP benefits. Notwithstanding any provision in this code to the contrary, all counties shall be ineligible for any such waiver effective October 1, 2022.

(c) The department shall submit a report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability, no later than October 1, 2020, on the employment impact of ABAWD requirements in those counties where they were implemented as of October 1, 2018. The report shall include, on a county-by-county basis, information on the number of SNAP recipients subject to work requirements; the number exempted from work requirements and the reasons for exemption; the number of applicants denied benefits due to non-compliance with work requirements; the dollar amount of benefits withheld due to non-compliance; the estimated fiscal impact on SNAP retailers of withholding those benefits; the number of recipients who engaged in work, education, or volunteerism in order to maintain benefits; the efforts made to assist recipients with meeting work requirements in order to maintain benefits; and any such recommendations pertaining to work requirements as the department deems advisable.

(d) If a recipient resides in a county subject to the provisions of this article, an applicant shall be deemed as complying with the requirements of a work, education, or volunteer program if any of the following requirements are satisfied:

(1) Working at least 20 hours per week, averaged monthly, or 80 hours a month;

(2) Participating in, and complying with, the requirements of a work force training program of 20 hours per week, as determined by the department in rule;

(3) Volunteering 20 hours a week, as determined by the department in rule;

(4) Any combination of working, volunteering and/or participating in a work program for a total of 20 hours per week, as determined by the department in legislative rule; or

(5) Participating in, and complying with, a workfare program as set out in 7 C.F.R. 273.24(a)(3).

(e) As determined by the department, if a recipient would have worked an average of 20 hours per week but missed some work for good cause, the recipient shall be considered to have met the work requirement if the absence from work is temporary and the recipient retains his or her job. Good cause includes circumstances beyond the household’s control, such as, but not limited to, illness, illness of another household member requiring the presence of the member, a household emergency, natural disaster, a declared state of emergency due to inclement weather, or the unavailability of transportation.

(f) If the department determines that a waiver, or an amendment to a waiver, is necessary to implement a policy that complies with 7 C.F.R. 273.24, it shall request the waiver or the amendment to the waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture.

(g) The department shall propose legislative rules in accordance with the provisions of this code for a plan for implementation of the requirements set forth in this section in counties that are subject to the requirements set forth in §9-8-2 (d) of this code.^[6]

”

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Statutes § 49.79 (2023)

“

Food Stamp Administration.

(10) ELIGIBILITY AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS.

(a) The department may implement a policy that complies with 7 CFR 273.24. If the department implements a policy under this paragraph, all of the following apply:

1. The department shall require an able-bodied adult without dependents who is participating in the food stamp program to fulfill the work requirement defined under 7 CFR 273.24(a) (1).

2. If an able-bodied adult without dependents does not fulfill the work requirement, the department may limit the eligibility of the able-bodied adult without dependents for food stamps to no more than 3 months during a 3-year period.

3. The department may exempt up to 15 percent of the able-bodied adults without dependents who are participating in the food stamp program from the time limit under subd. 2.

(b) If the department determines that a waiver, or an amendment to a waiver, is necessary to implement a policy that complies with 7 CFR 273.24, the department shall request the waiver or the amendment to the waiver from the federal department of agriculture to permit the department to implement a policy that complies with 7 CFR 273.24 as provided under this subsection.^[6]

”

Wyoming

049-2 Wyoming Administrative Code § 2-5 (2019)

“

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Work requirements; Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD).

This section is administered in accordance with the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as amended ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) and approved waivers with the following exceptions and clarifications:

(a) ABAWD Work Requirements. An able-bodied adult, without any children living in the same household, shall only receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for three (3) months out of every thirty-six (36) months unless he/she:

(i) Works eighty (80) hours or more per month;

(ii) Participates in and complies with the requirements of one (1) of the following work programs for eighty (80) hours or more per month:

(A) Workforce Investment Act (WIA), or

(B) Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA); or

(iii) Works or participates in a work program for a combined total of eighty (80) hours or more per month.

(b) Exemptions from the three month limit. The benefit limit shall not apply to those individuals exempted in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) or to an individual if he/she is an enrolled tribal member living on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

(c) Determining Eligibility for Benefits.

(i) DFS identifies each ABAWD in a household at the time of application or at the time of the first benefit recertification.

(ii) DFS shall look back at the previous thirty-six (36) months to determine if the ABAWD received three (3) months of benefits while not meeting the work requirements.

(iii) DFS shall count only months in which the ABAWD received a full month's benefits:

(A) Paid on or after December 1, 1996;

(B) As a mandatory individual; and

(C) While not meeting the work requirements.

(d) The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), may, on occasion, authorize suspension of the ABAWD requirements, as allowed by law. During the periods of suspension, the above requirements will not be applied.^[6]

”

External links

Footnotes

↑ Every CRS Report, A concise history of the Food Stamp Program, accessed May 25, 2023
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 USDA, "SNAP Work Requirements," accessed May 16, 2023
↑ HHS, "SNAP ABAWD work requirements," accessed June 2, 2023
↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025 - 2026)," July 4, 2025
↑ USDA Food and Nutrition Service, "ABAWD Waivers," accessed July 1, 2025
↑ ^6.00 ^6.01 ^6.02 ^6.03 ^6.04 ^6.05 ^6.06 ^6.07 ^6.08 ^6.09 ^6.10 ^6.11 ^6.12 ^6.13 ^6.14 ^6.15 ^6.16 ^6.17 ^6.18 ^6.19 ^6.20 ^6.21 ^6.22 ^6.23 ^6.24 ^6.25 ^6.26 ^6.27 ^6.28 ^6.29 ^6.30 ^6.31 ^6.32 ^6.33 ^6.34 ^6.35 ^6.36 ^6.37 ^6.38 ^6.39 ^6.40 ^6.41 ^6.42 ^6.43 ^6.44 ^6.45 ^6.46 ^6.47 ^6.48 ^6.49 ^6.50 ^6.51 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[CRS-1] Every CRS Report, A concise history of the Food Stamp Program, accessed May 25, 2023

[fns-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 USDA, "SNAP Work Requirements," accessed May 16, 2023

[3] HHS, "SNAP ABAWD work requirements," accessed June 2, 2023

[4] Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025 - 2026)," July 4, 2025

[5] USDA Food and Nutrition Service, "ABAWD Waivers," accessed July 1, 2025

[quotedisclaimer-6] 6.00 ^6.01 ^6.02 ^6.03 ^6.04 ^6.05 ^6.06 ^6.07 ^6.08 ^6.09 ^6.10 ^6.11 ^6.12 ^6.13 ^6.14 ^6.15 ^6.16 ^6.17 ^6.18 ^6.19 ^6.20 ^6.21 ^6.22 ^6.23 ^6.24 ^6.25 ^6.26 ^6.27 ^6.28 ^6.29 ^6.30 ^6.31 ^6.32 ^6.33 ^6.34 ^6.35 ^6.36 ^6.37 ^6.38 ^6.39 ^6.40 ^6.41 ^6.42 ^6.43 ^6.44 ^6.45 ^6.46 ^6.47 ^6.48 ^6.49 ^6.50 ^6.51 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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