245.05 ABAWD Work Participation Requirements SR 12-29, 11/12 (FSM-A)

Unless exempt, able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) individuals must meet certain work requirements. To receive and continue to receive Food Stamp benefits, non-exempt ABAWDs must:

• work;

• participate in workfare; or

• be in an approved special work-training program.

The ABAWD must be participating in one or a combination of these activities for an average of 20 hours a week averaged to 80 hours per month.

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

ABAWDs may volunteer for the voluntary Food Stamp Employment & Training (FSET) Job Search Program. However, hours spent participating in the FSET cannot be used to meet ABAWD work requirements.

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Work At Least 20 Hours Per Week Averaged Monthly

An ABAWD individual may meet ABAWD work requirements by being employed an average of 20 hours per week. The number of hours per week is averaged monthly, so the ABAWD individual must work a minimum of 80 hours per month in order to meet this requirement. Unpaid work and work for in-kind services are counted towards an individual’s hourly work requirement, but these individuals, and individuals who are self-employed, must document the actual hours worked per week in order to meet this requirement.

Example

If the individual works 10 hours for their room and board (work for in-kind services) in week 1; 0 hours in week 2; and 40 unpaid hours each in weeks 3 and 4, the minimum monthly requirement of 80 hours per month is met.

Workfare Participation for At Least 20 Hours Per Week Averaged Monthly

An ABAWD individual can meet the ABAWD work requirement by participating in a state or local "workfare" program, which is volunteer work for an agency. *

Participation in an Approved Special Work-Training Program for At Least 20 Hours Per Week Averaged Monthly

An ABAWD individual can meet the ABAWD work requirement by participating in an approved special work-training program. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training, the New Hampshire Health Profession Opportunity Program (HPOP) training, or a training program at a local community college are examples of approved special work-training programs. Other training programs may also meet this criteria but must be approved as meeting ABAWD work requirements by the District Office Supervisor.

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The ABAWD must be participating in one or a combination of these activities for an average of 20 hours a week averaged to 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, RSA 161:4-a,IV, 7 CFR 273.24, 7 USC 2015(o)(2)