SNAP Work Requirements (ABAWDS)

Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are designated as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) began seeing a change in their benefits and requirements in March 2016. To be considered an ABAWD, a SNAP recipient must: 

• Be between ages 18-49 
• Have no dependents
• Work or participate in a work program to maintain eligibility for SNAP

What are the changes? 

ABAWDs need to fulfill work requirements in order to continue to receive SNAP benefits. The work requirements are one of the following:

1. Work an average of at least 80 hours per month
2. Participate in and comply with a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, a Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program, or an approved employment training program for 80 hours or more per month
3. Participate in an approved program for 20 hours or more per week.

Individuals who do not complete any of the described work requirements will receive three months of SNAP benefits during a fixed three-year period. DHS will notify all ABAWDs regarding these changes by letter.

Reference materials

• Community Service Volunteer Verification form
  
• Medical Exemption Form 
  
• Who is affected by the requirements for 2018?
  
• ABAWD Questionnaire