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Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)

An able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 to 49 without dependents is considered an ABAWD.  Individuals with children in the household or who are mentally or physically unfit for employment are not considered ABAWDs. 

ABAWDs may qualify for a maximum of three months of Nutrition Assistance in a 36 month period, unless they either comply with the work or training requirements or qualify for an exemption.

To comply with the work requirements, ABAWDs must:

  • Be working at least 80 hours a month; 
  • Register and participate in at least 80 hours a month of job search or training with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNA E&T); or 
  • Complete at least 80 hours per month as a combination of work and participation with SNA E&T.

To qualify for an exemption, individuals must fit into one of the following categories:

  • Under the age of 18 or 50 years of age or older
  • Resides with a minor who is a member of the budgetary unit
  • Caretaker for an incapacitated individual
  • Physically or mentally unfit for employment
  • Participant in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program
  • Pregnant
  • Student (at least half-time)
  • Applied for or receiving Unemployment Insurance
  • Participant in Other Work Program
  • Transitional Benefit Assistance (TBA)
  • Chronic homelessness
  • Live in a geographically exempt area (see below)
  • Victim of domestic violence

In addition to the above exemptions, participants living in the following geographic areas are exempt:

  • All American Indian reservations except the Yavapai‑Prescott Indian reservation
  • Apache Junction
  • Every county except Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai

 

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