By law, adults without disabilities or dependents in their care – referred to as ABAWDs – are limited to three months of SNAP benefits in three years unless they meet the ABAWD-specific work requirements. Recent changes, linked to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the Fiscal Responsibility Act, are reshaping these rules.
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service and U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration partner to support able-bodied adults without dependents through the public workforce system as the Public Health Emergency ends.
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule entitled “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents”. This action supports the Agency’s commitment to promoting employment by applying a common-sense policy to SNAP’s work-related program standards for able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
The attached questions and answers are in response to changes made by Section 4005 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, enacted on Dec.20, 2018, to the SNAP Employment and Training program and certain Able-bodied Adults without Dependents work policies.
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 attached questions and answers are intended to address state agency concerns about the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on SNAP.
Questions and Answers for the 2008 Farm Bill
Time line of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Attached are additional questions and answers in response to issues raised by state agencies on SNAP certification and eligibility provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.
Questions and answers on the certification issues in the 2008 Farm Bill.