Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents

On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) – was signed into law. The OBBB increased the age of those who are subject to the able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) time limit rules, sometimes referred to as the ABAWD work requirement or time-limited work requirements.  

Under the OBBB, SNAP recipients ages 18 through 65 who are not responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 14 in the SNAP household, are not pregnant, and who are considered physically and mentally able to work are required to meet certain work requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.  

ABAWDs can only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period unless they meet the ABAWD work requirement. The current three-year period established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is Dec. 1, 2023, through Nov. 30, 2026. 

DHS will communicate directly with clients regarding their case, and any required action and timeline will be outlined in that communication. DHS encourages clients to regularly check the notices section of their Georgia Gateway account for updates. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is considered an ABAWD?

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

    • Age 18-64;
    • Not pregnant;
    • Not responsible for the care of a dependent child under 14 years old in the SNAP household; and
    • Mentally and physically fit for employment. 
  • If I meet the definition of ABAWD, what do I need to do?

    Effective July 4, 2025, ABAWDs must follow these time-limited work requirements to keep their SNAP benefits: 

    Participate in one or more of the following activities for 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month): 

              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 or an average of 80 hours per month 
  • When does this new work requirement go into effect?

    The SNAP time-limited work requirement change for ABAWDs will be implemented in Georgia on Nov. 1, 2025, following the passage of the federal H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. The new policies will be applied to SNAP applications and recertifications that are submitted after Nov. 1, 2025.  

    Existing SNAP customers will receive a notice from DFCS if their status changes. 

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

    When you apply for SNAP benefits or at your next renewal, be sure to discuss this with your caseworker during the interview. 

  • What happens if an ABAWD does not follow these time limit rules?

    Failure by an ABAWD to comply with the new SNAP work requirement for three full months in a 36-month period without good reason will result in loss of benefits until Nov. 30, 2026 – at which point a new application can be submitted – or until the recipient meets the work requirement. 

  • Who is an Aged ABAWD?

    Aged ABAWDs are individuals who meet all the ABAWD criteria and are ages 60 to 64. These individuals remain exempt from the general work requirements, but are required to meet the time limit work requirements effective Oct. 1, 2026. 

Are you still unsure if you are considered an ABAWD? These scenarios may help.  

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.

Comparable Workfare: A Guide for ABAWDs  (PDF, 189.88 KB)

Comparable Workfare: A Guide for ABAWDs - Spanish  (PDF, 487.63 KB)

Comparable Workfare Activity Form 805  (PDF, 16.45 KB)

Comparable Workfare Activity Form 805 - Spanish  (PDF, 16.27 KB)

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