FNS Documents & Resources

In recent years, FNS has approved several innovative waiver requests that have afforded states new flexibility in administering SNAP. Because these waivers are relatively new, untested, and complex, FNS categorizes them as "novel" waivers.

FNS has recently undertaken a review of its waiver processes and the effectiveness of its approved waivers. Specifically, FNS has recently reviewed the "Early Denial" waiver, also known as "10-Day Denial" waiver, which waives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations at 7 CFR 273.2(g)(3) and 7 CFR 273.2(h)(2).

FNS is issuing this memorandum to update current waiver procedures and revise previous guidance contained in the Sept. 14, 2004, memo, "Revised Waiver Processing Instructions." FNS is enhancing administrative waiver procedures to streamline current processes and eliminate inconsistencies in approval requirements for similar waivers.

Attached are questions posed by state agencies and Food and Nutrition Service responses that provide clarification on SNAP policy surrounding time-limited participation for ABAWDs.

This memo provides the list of states that are eligible to waive SNAP participation time limits for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents for FY 2014. Under SNAP regulations, a state can qualify for a 12-month statewide ABA WD waiver if the Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Service determines that it qualifies for extended unemployment benefits.

This memo provides information about which states are eligible to waive Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limits for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) for fiscal year 2013.  Under  SNAP regulations at 7CFR 273.24(f)(2), a state can qualify for a 12-month statewide ABAWD waiver if the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Service determines it meets the criteria for extended unemployment benefits.

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

Attached are questions and answers in response to common issues raised by states regarding the Census 2010 Demonstration Projects.

The SNAP certification provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 go into effect on April 1, 2009.