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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Work Requirement Policy Resources

Here are some resources to find out more about SNAP ABAWDs and related information. 

10/20/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance ABAWD Waivers

ABAWDs can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements. This page includes information on waiver status for states by quarter.  

10/11/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance ABAWD Waivers FY 2020-2024

ABAWDs can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements. This page includes information on waiver status for FY 2020-24 by state.

10/06/2023
Resource | Policy Standard Utility Allowances

States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.

10/01/2023
Resource | Policy Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information

We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year. 

10/01/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Policy Guide

The purpose of this guide is to consolidate guidance and policy on serving able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

09/29/2023
Resource | Infographics Changes to the ABAWD Work Requirements

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. 

09/28/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP: FY 24 Discretionary Exemptions for ABAWDs - Not Adjusted for Carryover

FNS has estimated the number of new discretionary exemptions each state has earned for FY 2024. States that operated under a statewide waiver of the ABAWD time limit did not earn any new exemptions.

09/25/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 – Questions & Answers #2

FNS is issuing this second set of questions and answers in response to inquiries received from SNAP state agencies concerning implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

08/25/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2023.

08/03/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021