Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) FAQs

  • What is an ABAWD?

    If you are between ages 18 and 49, do not live with a child under 18, and are considered physically and mentally able to work but are not working, you are considered under federal law to be an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD).

    Expand Collapse
  • Why did I receive this notice?

    Notice Types 

    Generic ABAWD Time Limit Waiver Expiration Notice (GATLN)

    • Notice sent in May 2022 to all ABAWDs in the State.
    • This is a one-time only notice. 
    • The notice informs the customer that the statewide ABAWD Time Limit Waiver has expired as of June 30, 2022.

    SNAP Consolidated Work Requirements Notice (F859)

    • Notice sent in June 2022 to all work registrants in the State which includes mandatory registrants and ABAWDs.
    • The notice informs the customer of SNAP work requirements, which include basic work rules, SNAP Works Program information and the ABAWD Time Limit Rule.
    • The notice informs ABAWD individuals that they have a work requirement effective July 1, 2022.

    Suspension of the ABAWD Time Limit Rule Notice

    • Effective July 1, 2022, the Statewide Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Waiver expired.
    • On Friday, July 15, 2022, the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) was extended and ABAWD Work Requirement is suspended until the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends.
    • During the Suspension Period, ABAWDs will not lose their SNAP benefits for not meeting the ABAWD Work Requirement.
    • ABAWDs may volunteer to participate in the SNAP Works Program to obtain employment.
    Expand Collapse
  • What do I need to do?

    During the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE), ABAWDs do not have an ABAWD Work Requirement to maintain benefits.  No action is required from the ABAWD individual until the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends.

    Expand Collapse
  • Is my case going to close because of the ABAWD Work Requirements?

    No. Currently, Georgia is under the existing Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE), which suspends the ABAWD Work Requirement for all ABAWDs in the State until further notice.

    Expand Collapse
  • If I participate in voluntary SNAP Works Program, will I lose benefits?

    No. The SNAP Works Program is a voluntary employment and training program that offers job and work readiness training.  If you choose to volunteer to participate, there is no cost to you. If decide to stop participating in the program, it does not affect your SNAP benefits.

    Expand Collapse