Understanding SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements: What Changed Under H.R.1 and What to Do Next

Blog

Oct 13

Written By mRelief

Written by mRelief

A smartphone screen displays a text message conversation from mRelief offering Maryland SUN Bucks recipients help with SNAP enrollment. The message notes that eligible individuals can receive an average of $180 per person monthly and includes options to check eligibility via SMS or link.

Key Takeaways

More adults are subject to work requirements: Recent legislation raised the age limit for SNAP work rules to 64 and removed exemptions for several groups.
Meeting the requirement takes 80 hours a month: Qualifying activities include paid employment, job training programs, or volunteering.
Local rules and exemptions can vary: Checking in with your state SNAP office is the best way to confirm your status and keep your benefits safe.

The rules for keeping SNAP benefits have changed for many adults. In July 2025, the passage of H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, expanded who may be subject to SNAP’s time-limited work requirements.

Over the next month, mRelief will share a short series explaining these rules in plain language: who falls into the “ABAWD” category, how to meet the requirements, and what to do if benefits may be at risk.This first post explains what “ABAWD” means and what has changed under-H.R.1.

What Does ABAWD Mean?

ABAWD stands for “Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents”. It is the term commonly used for SNAP’s time-limit work requirement. People subject to this requirement generally must complete qualifying work, training, or another approved activity for at least 80 hours each month to continue receiving SNAP beyond three months in a 36-month period..

Whether someone is subject to the ABAWD time limit depends on their circumstances and their state’s determination. In general, the rule may apply to SNAP participants who are:

Between the age of 18-64
Physically and mentally able to work
Not pregnant
Not responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14 in the household
Not responsible for the care of a child under age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themselves
Not participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
Not receiving unemployment benefits, or have applied for them
Not earning the equivalent of 30 hours of minimum-wage work per week
Not enrolled in school or vocational training at least half-time
Not meeting work requirements for another program, such as TANF

A person who is subject to the requirement may meet it through paid work, volunteering, participation in a SNAP E+T (Employment & Training) program or a combination of approved activities that totals at least 80 hours per month or an average of 20 hours a week. We’ll cover more about how to fulfill the work requirement for the ABAWD category in our next blog post.

What Changed Under H.R.1?

H.R.1, signed into law on July 4th, 2025, introduced expanded ABAWD definitions for SNAP. Here's how the ABAWD category changed:

Increased age range: H.R.1 raised the age limit for SNAP work requirements from 54 to 64, meaning hundreds of thousands of additional older adults between the ages of 55 and 64 who were not previously subject to work requirements now are.
Removed exemptions: Several populations that were previously exempt from work requirements are no longer exempt. This includes:
- Veterans
- Youth who have recently aged out of foster care (between the ages of 18-24)
- Adults responsible for dependent children ages 14 through 17
- Adults experiencing homelessness
New exemptions added: Certain American Indian, Alaska Native, and other individuals covered by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act are now exempt from work requirements for SNAP.
Fewer waiver options for states: States now have less flexibility to waive ABAWD work requirements—waivers are largely limited to areas with unemployment rates over 10%, which means fewer local exceptions even where economic conditions might otherwise justify them.

Stay Informed with State Guidance

While the above information comes from the federal government, rules can vary slightly state by state. If you or someone you know may be affected, contact your local SNAP office to confirm whether the ABAWD requirement applies, whether you may qualify for exemptions, and what documentation you may need.

Want to better understand the ABAWD work requirements introduced by H.R.1?

Join mRelief for a webinar on SNAP’s ABAWD work requirements and how recent changes under H.R. 1 may affect individuals, families, and the organizations supporting them.

We’ll cover:

Who may be affected by ABAWD rules
Changes to eligibility and exemptions
Ways to meet work requirements and prevent gaps in benefits
Practical steps individuals and organizations can take now

You’ll leave with mRelief’s ABAWD Action Guide, including key questions to ask, steps to take before benefits are at risk, and ways to connect people to support.

The webinar will also feature perspectives from community partners, including advocacy organizations, food banks, and a state agency, on how they are responding to these changes and supporting their communities. Participants will also have space to share what they are seeing and experiencing.