FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum adjusts the total number of exemptions available to each state for FY 2021, as shown in the table on the next page. This includes increases in the number of exemptions available to states in which caseloads increased by more than 10 percent, as described in section 6(o)(6)(F) of the Act.

Question and answer document to facilitate state agency implementation of the final rule: Employment and Training Opportunities in SNAP.

The final rule implements the changes made by section 4005 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to the SNAP pertaining to the E&T program and aspects of the work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents. 
 

FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.  

The recently enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act temporarily and partially suspends the time limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents participation in SNAP. 

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. 

The attached questions and answers are in response to changes made by Section 4005 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, enacted on Dec.20, 2018, to the SNAP Employment and Training program and certain Able-bodied Adults without Dependents work policies.

These questions and answers are in response to changes made by Section 4005 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, enacted on Dec. 20, 2018, to the SNAP Employment and Training program and certain Able-bodied Adults without Dependents work policies. 

This proposed rule seeks to amend the regulatory standards by which USDA evaluates state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program agency requests to waive the time limit and to end the unlimited carryover of able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) percentage exemptions.  FNS seeks to reopen the comment period on April 8, 2019, for a period of 3 days ending April 10, 2019.

The proposed rule would encourage broader application of the statutory ABAWD work requirement, consistent with the Administration's focus on fostering self-sufficiency.