FNS Documents & Resources

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.

FNS closely reviews state spending on the SNAP Employment and Training Program. Recently, we noticed that an increasing number of state agencies do not spend money on allowable participant reimbursements, such as transportation and dependent care.

This proposed rule would implement provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 affecting the eligibility, benefits, certification, and employment and training requirements for applicant or participant households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

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

This memo clarifies FNS policy on serving zero benefit households through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program employment and training program.