FNS Documents & Resources

This final rule supports the Agency’s commitment to self-sufficiency by modifying states’ ability to receive waivers of the ABAWD time limit.  More specifically, the rule sets robust, quantitative standards that states’ must meet in order to receive such waivers and limits the accumulation of discretionary exemptions.

On Dec. 5, 2019, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will publish the final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for  Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.  It is available for public inspection at the Federal Register.   

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. 

This resource provides states with information on how to obtain Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau data and step-by-step instructions on how to use that data to calculate an unemployment rate in support of an ABAWD waiver request.  These technical sources and methods are consistent with those that FNS has endorsed in the past, but have been adapted where appropriate to account for the final rule’s changes to the definition of the geographic area that can be waived and recent changes to the Census Bureau’s data tool.

This guide consolidates and underscores FNS policy concerning waivers of the ABAWD time limit and replaces its predecessor, FNS' August 2006 Guidance on Requesting ABAWD Waivers. FNS advises state agencies to use this guide to understand, obtain, and prepare evidence that successfully supports an ABAWD time limit waiver request based on relevant sections of the Act; federal regulations; and historical SNAP policy. As a result of the final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, that was published on December 5, 2019, the regulatory standards referenced in this guide are only valid through March 31, 2020. In order to have a waiver as of April 1, 2020, and thereafter, states must request a waiver that meets the new standards in 7 CFR 273.24(f) and should submit that request as soon as possible to their respective FNS regional office contact(s). FNS expects to replace this guide in the future. 

The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, administered by all 53 state agencies, helps participants gain the skills, training, or work experience they need to enter, reenter, or remain in the workforce. The program is flexible. State agencies can tailor services and supports to the needs of SNAP participants and the communities in which they live. State agencies can, and should partner with other state and federal workforce programs to offer a continuum of services that help low-income Americans work toward self-sufficiency.

The attached questions and answers address the final rule implementation memo for lottery and gambling provisions.

This memorandum provides the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of October 1, 2019.

Letters to various Directors of Human Services with attached Public Charge fact sheet.

This memorandum provides guidance to states regarding the repayment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the sponsors of non-citizens who participate in the program. States are encouraged to request reimbursement if a sponsored non-citizen receives SNAP benefits and clarification is provided on the steps for requesting repayment.  States are also reminded of their obligation to comply with the requirements for counting sponsor income.