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Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents

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The Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) exemptions have changed.

SNAP recipients who meet the definition of an ABAWD and don't have any exemptions need to meet ABAWD work requirements to receive more than three months of NA in a three-year period.

What is the definition of ABAWD?

An ABAWD is an NA participant who may only receive benefits for three months in a three-year period unless they meet specific work requirements or meet an allowable exemption.

An NA participant is considered an ABAWD unless they are:

  • Younger than 18 years of age, or 65 years of age or older
  • Pregnant
  • An Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian, as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act
  • Responsible for the care of an incapacitated individual or a child in their household under 14 years of age, even if the incapacitated individual or child is not eligible for NA
  • 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
  • Medically certified as mentally or physically unfit for work
  • Participating in and complying with the Cash Assistance (CA) Jobs Program, a Refugee Resettlement Program, or Tribal Native Employment Works (NEW) Program
  • A migrant or seasonal farmworker under contract or agreement to return to work within 30 calendar days
  • Working for 30 hours per week
  • Earning 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.)
  • Residing in any of the following geographically exempt areas:
    • Yuma County
    • Cocopah Reservation
    • Hualapai Indian Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land
    • Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land
    • Salt River Reservation
    • San Carlos Reservation
    • Pascua Pueblo Yaqui Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land

These are called "exemptions."

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 is the ABAWD Time Limit?

Per federal requirements, Individuals subject to the ABAWD time limit can only get 3 full months of NA benefits in a 3-year period, which started on January 1, 2025. When individuals are subject to the ABAWD time limit and meet an ABAWD work requirement or an exemption, they may continue to receive benefits, as long as they meet all other NA eligibility requirements.

What if I have a good reason why I can't meet the work requirement?

It may be possible to 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, and the participant is expected to return to work. Some examples of good cause may be illness, illness of a household member, lack of transportation, a household emergency, or a natural disaster.

How can I report that I am meeting the work requirement or have an exemption or good cause for not meeting it?

Individuals can report they are meeting an ABAWD work requirement or have 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. Find more information about the SNAP CAN program at the DES SNAP CAN webpage.

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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