FNS Documents & Resources

This proposed rule would amend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations to incorporate three provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

This memorandum adjusts the total number of exemptions available to each state for FY 2024. This includes adjustments in the number of exemptions available to states in which caseloads change by more than 10 percent.

By law, certain adults without dependents can only receive SNAP benefits beyond three months in a three-year period unless they meet specific work requirements. We refer to this as the “time limit.”

In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed rule entitled “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents”. This action supports the Agency’s commitment to self-sufficiency by more broadly applying SNAP’s work-related program standards for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

The Office of lnspector General's 2016 Audit Report, Food and Nutrition Service Controls over SNAP Benefits for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents, recommended that FNS perform analysis to identify problematic areas for states in terms of ABAWD policy and then provide states with additional best practices to address those areas. 

This memorandum provides best practices and resources to help state agencies effectively inform SNAP households of the requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and to enrich training for eligibility workers.

Characteristics of non-disabled adults aged 18 through 49 who live in childless households.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits the amount of time an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) can receive SNAP benefits to 3 months in a 36-month period, unless the individual is working and/or participating in a work program half-time or more, or participating in workfare.