Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements are mandated work-related activities that SNAP recipients must complete in order to qualify for benefits, such as working at least 30 hours a week, participating in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, and taking a suitable job if it is offered. SNAP—formerly known as food stamps—has two types of work requirements: general work requirements and able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promulgates rules and develops federal SNAP program guidelines. State-level agencies administer their SNAP programs following federal requirements, including work requirements.[1]
Background
- See also: U.S. Department of Agriculture
SNAP has two types of work requirements: general work requirements and able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements. The following sections provide information about the two types of SNAP work requirements.
General SNAP work requirements
General SNAP work requirements mandate that individuals aged 16 to 59 who can work must complete the following work-related activities:
- Register for work
- Participate in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs
- Take a suitable job if it is offered
- Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce work hours below 30 hours a week without cause.[2]
Individuals do not have to register for general work requirements if they already meet the following conditions when they apply for SNAP benefits:
- Work at least 30 hours a week
- Meet work requirements for another public benefits program
- Care for a child under six years old or an incapacitated person
- Are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation
- Are participating in an alcohol or drug treatment program
- Are studying in school
- Are attending a training program[2]
Able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements
The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) work requirement under SNAP applies to individuals aged 18 to 54 without children. To remain eligible for SNAP, ABAWDs must meet one of the following work-related activities:
- Work or Volunteer: At least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week).
- Participate in a Work Program: Participate in a federal, state, or local work program, such as SNAP Education and Training (E&T), for at least 80 hours per month.
Time Limit for ABAWDs
ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement can only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a 36-month period. After reaching this time limit, they lose eligibility for benefits unless they start meeting the work requirement.[2][3]
Requalifying for SNAP Benefits
If an ABAWD loses eligibility due to failing to meet the work requirement, they can requalify for benefits by meeting the work requirement for 30 consecutive days. However, if they do not meet the work requirement within this 30-day period, they will be ineligible for SNAP for the next three years.
Time Limit Waivers
States can request temporary waivers for ABAWD work requirements in areas where jobs are scarce. These waivers apply in places with:
- An unemployment rate above 10%, or
- Insufficient jobs available.
As of the fourth quarter of the 2024 fiscal year, six states had full ABAWD time limit waivers, and 24 states had waivers for specific counties with high unemployment or limited job availability.[4]
See also
- Areas of inquiry and disagreement related to work requirements for public assistance programs
- Court cases related to work requirements for public assistance programs
- Scholarly work related to work requirements for public assistance programs
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Every CRS Report, A concise history of the Food Stamp Program, accessed May 25, 2023
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 USDA, "SNAP Work Requirements," accessed May 16, 2023
- ↑ HHS, "SNAP ABAWD work requirements," accessed June 2, 2023
- ↑ USDA Food and Nutrition Service, "ABAWD Waivers," accessed January 31, 2024
- ↑ Gov Info, Food Stamp Act of 1963, accessed June 1, 2023
- ↑ FNS, Amendments to The Food Stamp Act of 1964, accessed May 30, 2023
- ↑ SNAP to Skills, USDA, accessed June 2, 2023
- ↑ ASPE, Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, accessed May 30, 2023
- ↑ CBPP, SNAP Benefit Boost 2009, accessed June 1, 2023
- ↑ Gov Info, Executive Order 13828, accessed June 1, 2023
- ↑ "Justia," "District of Columbia, et al, v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, et al," accessed October 25, 2023.
- ↑ "Food and Nutrition Service," "Final Rule: SNAP Rescission of Requirements for ABAWDS: Notice of Vacatur, " accessed October 25, 2023.
- ↑ CBPP, Temporary Flexibility in SNAP, accessed May 16, 2023
- ↑ CNN, Here’s who would have to work for government benefits – and who wouldn’t – under the debt ceiling package, accessed June 22, 2023
- ↑ White House, HR 346, accessed June 22, 2023
- ↑ Federal Register, SNAP ABAWDs work requirement rule, accessed May 30, 2023
- ↑ Justia, District of Columbia et al v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, accessed May 30, 2023
- ↑ Justia, District of Columbia et al v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, accessed May 30, 2023
- ↑ USDA.gov, "Policy Memo: Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," accessed August 18, 2023
- ↑ CBPP.org, "Debt Ceiling Agreement’s SNAP Changes Would Increase Hunger and Poverty for Many Older Low-Income People; New Exemptions Would Help Some Others," accessed August 18, 2023
- ↑ Speaker.gov, "Speaker McCarthy’s Floor Speech on the Fiscal Responsibility Act," accessed August 18, 2023
- ↑ "Federal Register," "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents," accessed October 28, 2023
- ↑ "Politico," "14 states sue Trump administration over food stamp rule," accessed October 28, 2023
- ↑ "Food and Nutrition Service," "Final Rule: SNAP Rescission of Requirements for ABAWDS: Notice of Vacatur," accessed October 28, 2023
- ↑ "Justia," "District of Columbia, et al., v. United States Department of Agriculture, et al.," accessed October 28, 2023