FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum provides guidance to states in taking the balanced approach necessary to properly implement the SNAP time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents.

The purpose of this memo is to transmit national target areas and procedures for management evaluations for FY 2016. FNS, with input from the regional offices, has identified four national target areas for the ROs to review.

Section 6(0) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits ABAWD eligibility for the SNAP to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt. FNS is providing the attached guidance in response to recent questions from state agencies concerning ABAWD policy.

Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits ABAWD eligibility for SNAP to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt. The law also provides that states may qualify to temporarily waive the 3-month time limit in areas with high unemployment or depressed labor markets.

The Food and Nutrition Act restricts the amount of time that able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) may participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to 3 months in a 36-month period, unless the ABAWD meets certain

work requirements or is exempted by the state. SNAP regulations at 7 CFR 273.24(g) provide each state agency with an annual allocation of exemptions from the work requirements of 7 CFR 273.24 for ABAWDs.

The DOL EC Trigger Notice 2011-13, effective April 10, 2011, indicates that 46 states or geographic areas met the EC criteria; however, the 46 qualifying states or geographic areas may suspend the time limits on ABAWDs through at least Sept. 30, 2012