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Beginning July 1, 2022 an interview must be completed for DES to process your application for Nutrition Assistance benefits. DES will send a notice to you on how to complete your interview. For applications submitted prior to July 1, 2022, DES may be able to approve your application without completing an interview. DES will send a notice when more information is needed to process your application.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The vendor through which the State of Arizona utilizes to print and mail correspondence is experiencing a nationwide system outage. Until this issue is resolved, most notices, forms and paper checks from DES will be impacted. We continue to work closely with our vendor throughout the process to ensure minimal disruption to our clients and partners. We are also connecting with other vendors who are able to provide services during the outage. The services DES provides are not impacted by this incident and remain accessible to the public. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

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checkboxes with checkmark; men working on a roof-top; business professionals leaning on a wall

Beginning January 01, 2022, Arizona has received Federal approval for an ABAWD time limit waiver. This means ABAWD participants are not limited to three months of benefits in 2022.

This waiver is in effect until December 31, 2022.

Who is considered an Able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD)?

For the Nutrition Assistance Program, individuals who are 18 through 49 years of age, without minor dependents, and physically and mentally fit for work are considered ABAWDs. The ABAWD time limit is 3 months of benefits during a three-year period unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or an exemption.

Employment assistance is available, you may participate in the SNAP Career Advancement Network, or SNAP CAN Program.

What are the ABAWD work requirements?

Work at least 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month). That would include self-employment, paid work, in-kind and volunteer unpaid work, or any combination of these activities.
Work with average weekly earnings equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours, regardless of the number of hours worked.
Participating in and complying with one of the following:
- The SNAP CAN Program, other than a job search or a job search training program, 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours a month.
  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.
- Participate at least half-time (as defined by the program) in a recognized Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) approved, funded, or operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Work as a migrant or seasonal farmworker not living in their home project area, and meet any of the following:
- Following the job stream
- Working a minimum of 30 hours weekly
- Under contract or agreement to begin employment within 30 days
Participate and comply with the CA Jobs, Tribal NEW, or Tribal TANF Employment Program

What are the ABAWD Exemptions?

Persons under 18 years of age, through the month in which they turn 18.
Persons 50 years of age, beginning with the month they turn 50.
Persons residing with a minor dependent child, through the month of the minor’s 18h birthday. The child is not required to be eligible for NA benefits but must be included in the same household.
Mentally or physically unfit for work
Pregnant during any trimester

What are other exemptions from the work requirements?

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

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.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification.

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