Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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 | Policy Memos Replacement of SNAP Benefits in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023

USDA is aware of increased reports of EBT theft due to card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent methods. On Dec. 29, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Omnibus), which includes provisions for the replacement of stolen EBT benefits with federal funds.

01/31/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP and TANF Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Skimming Prevention– Tools and Resources

USDA's FNS and ACF at the Department of Health and Human Services are aware of increasing reports of benefit theft by criminal actors through EBT card skimming schemes. After discussions with EBT processors and fraud prevention stakeholders, FNS and ACF have identified prevention measures that can be adopted to improve card security while we work towards longer-term strategies.

10/31/2022
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP COVID-19 Voluntary Quit and Good Cause Policy Clarification

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies on how to determine if an individual has good cause for not meeting the general work requirement in situations related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements and COVID-19 workplace safeguards.

04/07/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0005 Use of SNAP Employment and Training Funds for SNAP Recipients Who Are Attending High School

This memo provides guidance on the use of SNAP E&T funds to pay for services for individuals who are attending high school. In most cases, it is likely neither legal nor appropriate to use E&T funds to pay for services for individuals are attending high school. In some instances, however, it is allowed and encouraged to use E&T funds for individuals who are of high school age, such as for individuals aged 16-17 who are subject to SNAP work requirements.

12/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0091 Questions and Answers: Final Rulemaking Requirements for ABAWDs

On Dec. 5, 2019, the  FNS final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, will publish in the Federal Register. The rule revises the conditions under which FNS would waive, when requested by states, the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) time limit in areas that have an unemployment rate of over 10 percent or a lack of sufficient jobs. In addition, the rule limits the carryover of unused ABAWD discretionary exemptions. 

12/04/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0002 FY 2019 Homeless Shelter Deduction Memo

On Dec. 20, 2018, SNAP was reauthorized as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This information memorandum describes the provisions of Section 4004 of the Act, which is self-executing. An information memorandum outlining the remaining SNAP provisions will follow shortly.

02/08/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0034 Innovation and Evaluation in SNAP Demonstration Projects

This memorandum outlines the approach FNS will begin to take to work with state agencies as they request approval for new demonstration projects or renewal of existing projects, to ensure all active demonstration projects are testing innovative approaches with appropriate evaluations. 

09/13/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2018-0020 Clarifications on Work Requirements, ABAWDs, and E&T

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. 

05/25/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0018 Requirements for Informing Households of ABAWD Rules

Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the time able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt.

04/17/2017
Page updated: October 14, 2021