245.05 ABAWD Work Requirements SR 18-26 Dated 09/18

Unless exempt, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements. To receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, non-exempt ABAWDs must:

●	work—work can be for pay, for goods or services (like trading work for rent payment, also referred to as in-kind services), or as a volunteer; or
	*
●	be in an approved work training program.

The ABAWD must be participating in one or more of these activities for at least 80 hours per month.

ABAWDs cannot receive more than 3 full months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period while not meeting ABAWD work requirements.

ABAWDs may volunteer for the voluntary SNAP Employment & Training job search program; however, hours spent participating in this program cannot be used to meet ABAWD work requirements.

Work (Paid or Unpaid) for at Least 80 Hours per Month

An ABAWD may meet ABAWD work requirements by working at least 80 hours per month. Unpaid work and work for in-kind services are counted toward the hourly work requirement; ABAWDs participating in unpaid or in-kind work, as well as ABAWDs who are self-employed, must document the actual hours worked per week in order to meet the work requirement.

Example

If an ABAWD works 10 hours for room and board (work for in-kind services) in week 1; 0 hours in week 2; 40 hours of paid employment in week 3; and 30 hours of unpaid work (volunteering) in week 4, the minimum monthly requirement of 80 hours is met.

Participate in an Approved Work Training Program for at Least 80 Hours per Month

An ABAWD can meet the ABAWD work requirement by participating in an approved work training program. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training or a training program at a local community college are examples of approved work training programs. Other training programs may also be allowable but must be approved as meeting ABAWD work requirements by the District Office Supervisor.

ABAWDs must participate in one or more of these activities for at least 80 hours per month. See PART 823, GOOD CAUSE FOR FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE, for policy on good cause reasons for failing to meet ABAWD work requirements.

References: He-W 701.01; 7 CFR 273.24; 7 USC 2015(o)(2)