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Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

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Beginning October 1, 2023, the Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit is returning in Arizona.

If you are 18 to 52 years old and don't have a child under 18 on your NA case, you might 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.

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 in an approved Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training activity a minimum of 20 hours per week, job search activities cannot exceed 10 hours a week.
  • Participate in a combination of work and an approved Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training activity for a minimum of 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month).
  • Show good cause for not meeting work requirements such as having an illness, not having transportation, or unreasonable working conditions.

    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, 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, Refugee Resettlement Program or the Tribal Native  Employment Works (NEW) Program
    • 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

    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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