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Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents

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As of October 1, 2023, the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit returned to Arizona.

SNAP recipients who are 18 to 52 years old and don't have a child under 18 on their NA case, may need to start meeting ABAWD work requirements beginning October 01, 2023. However, many people are exempt from the requirements, including individuals residing outside of Maricopa County. A complete list of the exemptions are detailed below.

Who is considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)?

Beginning October 1, 2023, for Nutrition Assistance (NA), individuals who are 18 through 52 years of age, without minor dependents, and physically and mentally fit for work are considered ABAWDs.

Per federal requirements, ABAWDs can only get 3 months of NA benefits in a 3-year period, unless they meet the ABAWD work requirements or qualify for an exemption. ABAWDS can report they are meeting work requirements or an exemption by using the following forms:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Career Advancement Network (SNAP CAN) has employment assistance that can help ABAWDs meet the work requirements. More information about the SNAP CAN program can be found below.

What are the ABAWD work requirements?

ABAWDs must meet one of the following work requirements:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month). This includes any combination of:
    • Paid work
    • Self-employment
    • Volunteer work
    • In-kind work: working in exchange for food, rent, or other needs. Proof must include the value of the work and the number of hours worked.
  • Participate and comply with the requirements of any of the following work programs for at least 20 hours per week:
    • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Career Advanced Network (SNAP CAN) program, other than a job search or a job search training program.
      • NOTE The program may contain job search or job search training as a subsidiary component when the component is less than half of the required 20 hours per week. 
    • Workforce Investment Opportunities Act (WIOA) Program or any component of WIOA. 
    • Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act. 
    • An employment and training program for veterans offered by either of the following:
      • Department of Labor
      • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Any combination of working and participating in a work program for at least 20 hours per week. 

What are the ABAWD Exemptions?

ABAWDs who meet one of the following criteria do not need to participate in the work requirements to continue to receive NA benefits beyond the 3-month time limit.

  • Under the age of 18 or 53 years or older
  • Living with a child, under 18 years old, who is a member of the budgetary unit, even if they are not eligible for NA benefits
  • Unable to work because of a physical or mental health reason
  • Pregnant
  • Homeless
  • A veteran, regardless of your discharge status
  • Former foster care youth, between the age of 18 to 24, who was in the custody of foster care on the day the participant turned 18 years of age, or a higher age, when the foster care program offers continued foster care after 18 years of age
  • Living in a geographically exempt area (on a reservation, or outside of Maricopa County)

Additional Exemptions

ABAWDs who meet one of the following exemptions can continue to receive NA benefits beyond the 3-month time limit. 

  • Earn an amount equal to or more than the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours per week, regardless of the number of hours worked. (A total of at least $217.50 per week or $870 a month.)
  • Responsible for the care of an incapacitated individual
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
  • Applying for or receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits
  • A student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, including high school, training programs, or institutions of higher education 
  • Receiving Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)
  • Participating and complying in the Cash Assistance (CA) Jobs Program, a Refugee Resettlement Program, or a Tribal Native Employment Works (NEW) Program.
  •  A migrant or seasonal farmworker under contract or agreement to return to work within 30 calendar days.
  • Can show good cause for not meeting work requirements. In some cases, a person who is employed and who has been meeting the 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month) work requirement may have good cause for not meeting the work or participation requirement. Good cause is a temporary situation that is not in a person's control. Some examples of good cause may be illness, illness of a household member, lack of transportation, a household emergency, or a natural disaster. 

What workforce services are available to me?

SNAP recipients who do not also receive benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are eligible to participate in the SNAP Career Advancement Network (SNAP CAN Program). The SNAP CAN Program assists participants in achieving their career goals by providing a broad range of workforce readiness services including reimbursements for eligible transportation, and other expenses related to participants.

ARIZONA@WORK helps job seekers find, prepare for and keep the right job. Visit Arizonaatwork.com to access career training opportunities and locate a workforce center near you.

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