The purpose of this guide is to consolidate guidance and policy on serving able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). State agencies responsible for implementing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may use this guide to better understand the requirements and dynamics of enforcing ABAWD work requirements. This guidance is based on relevant sections of the Food and Nutrition Act (the Act), as amended, and title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 273.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) acknowledges the complexity of regulations related to serving ABAWDs. In order to ensure accuracy, State agencies must have the system functionality in place to track all requirements and ensure that benefits are issued according to SNAP rules. Systems are needed to track all aspects of the ABAWD time limit, including the 36-month period, 3 countable months, additional 3-month eligibility and 15 percent exemptions, as described in this guide.