Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents

ABAWD is an acronym for an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. 

ABAWDs are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants or recipients who are:

  • Between 18-54 years of age
  • Not pregnant
  • Not residing in a household where a household member is under the age of 18
  • Mentally and physically fit for employment

DHS resumed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Time Limit Rules on July 1, 2023, due to the expiration of the federal public health emergency.

Beginning July 1, 2023, SNAP recipients ages 18 through 49 who did not live with a child under 18, and who were considered physically and mentally able to work, were required to follow the Time Limit Rules and begin reporting their work hours to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

On June 3, 2023, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA) was signed into law. The FRA gradually increased the age of those subject to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit Rules.

All states must begin screening for the new ABAWD exceptions and applying the ABAWD Time Limit Rules. Effective Sept. 1, 2023, individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 became considered ABAWD. The age increased again effective Oct. 1, 2023, to include SNAP recipients ages 18 to 52. 

The final ABAWD age increase included in the FRA is effective Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2030. SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 54 and will be subject to Time Limit Rules. 

ABAWDs in these categories can only get SNAP benefits for three months in three years unless they meet the ABAWD work requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do ABAWDs need to do?

After July 1, 2023, ABAWDs who do not live with a child under 18 and who are considered physically and mentally able to work must follow these Time Limit Rules to keep their SNAP benefits:

  • Spend at least 80 hours working each month (20 hours/week) doing one or more of the following activities.
    • Working (employment or self-employment)
    • Participating in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (E&T)
    • Participating in an employment or training program other than E&T, such as a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training program

          OR

  • Participate in workfare program, such as Comparable Workfare, for the number of hours assigned each month

          OR

  • Any combination of working and participating in an employment/training program for a total of 20 hours per week, totaling 80 hours per month

Does everyone need to meet these time limit rules?

An ABAWD may not have to follow any of these Time Limit Rules if they are:

  • Younger than age 18 or age 51 or older beginning Sept. 1, 2023, or age 53 or older beginning Oct. 1, 2023, or age 55 or older beginning Oct. 1, 2024
  • Living in the same household as someone who is younger than age 18, even if that person is not eligible for SNAP benefits
  • Not working because of a physical or mental health reasons
  • Pregnant
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • A veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • An adult up to age 26 who left foster care at age 18

What should I do if I think one of the above reasons applies to me?

Call DHS at 1-877-423-4746 as soon as possible if you think you meet this criteria. If DHS finds that you meet the criteria, you will not need to follow these Time Limit Rules.

What happens if an ABAWD does not follow these Time Limit Rules?

DHS will count each full month that you receive SNAP benefits but do not meet these Time Limit Rules without good reason. Once DHS has counted three full months, you will lose your benefits until Dec. 1, 2026.

What is comparable workfare?

Georgia’s Comparable Workfare program is an unsalaried placement at a supervised worksite with a public or private non-profit provider. All state, federal, county, and city government agencies are potential workfare sponsors. Comparable Workfare provides participants with opportunities to develop basic work habits, practice skills, and demonstrate the ability to learn new skills to a prospective employer.

ABAWDs may self-initiate a Comparable Workfare activity at community service program sites that are serving a useful community purpose in the field of health, social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural development, welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, or child care.

Download this pdf file. Comparable Workfare: A Guide for ABAWDs

Download this pdf file. Comparable Workfare: A Guide for ABAWDs - Spanish

Download this pdf file. Comparable Workfare Activity Form 805

Download this pdf file. Comparable Workfare Activity Form 805 - Spanish

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