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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) seeks to ensure that no one fears going hungry in the United States. However, it also promotes responsibility and work participation. To this end, it establishes two main types of work requirements: general and specific for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD).
Low-income households are candidates to apply for SNAP benefits, as are unemployed people, although there are conditions for people between 18 and 52 years of age, such as time restrictions of the program and the possibility of looking for work. Pregnant or disabled women do not have these impediments to apply.
General work requirements for SNAP
People aged 16 to 59 who are able to work must meet the general requirements. This involves:
- Sign up to work.
- Participate in employment or training programs if assigned by the state.
- Accept suitable job offers.
- Do not resign or reduce working hours to less than 30 per week without valid justification.
- Those who meet any of the following conditions are exempt from these requirements:
- They work at least 30 hours a week or earn the equivalent of the federal minimum wage for those hours.
- They meet the work requirements of other programs such as TANF or unemployment.
- They care for a child under the age of six or a disabled person.
- They have a physical or mental limitation that prevents them from working.
- They regularly attend alcohol or drug treatment programs.
- Attend school at least half-time (although college students are subject to other eligibility rules).
If a person does not meet these requirements, they may be disqualified from SNAP for at least one month. If they reoffend, the disqualification may be extended and even become permanent.
Requirements for healthy adults without dependents
Adults between the ages of 18 and 54, without dependents and who are able to work, must meet the general requirements and an additional requirement if they wish to continue receiving SNAP beyond three months within a three-year period.
- To comply with this rule, they must do at least one of the following activities:
- Work a minimum of 80 hours per month (whether paid, volunteer, or in exchange for goods or services).
- Participate in a work program for 80 hours a month.
- Perform a combination of work and training that adds up to 80 hours per month.
- Participate in community work according to the hours assigned by your state.
- ABAWDs are exempt from this requirement if they:
- They cannot work for medical or mental reasons.
- They are pregnant.
- They live in a SNAP household with at least one child under the age of 18.
- They are already exempt from the general requirements.
- They are Armed Forces veterans.
- They are homeless.
- They are under 25 years of age and were in foster care when they turned 18.
Recent changes for ABAWD
Since September 1, 2023, the ages for exemption have changed. Those who are no longer required to comply with the ABAWD rules are those who are:
- More than 51 years since September 2023.
- More than 53 years since October 2023.
- Over 55 years from October 2024.
Understanding these exceptions is crucial for those who rely on SNAP. Complying with the rules or knowing if you are exempt can make the difference between receiving or losing this vital assistance.