How does being an ABAWD impact my SNAP eligibility?
What are the ABAWD Work Requirements for SNAP?
Some SNAP participants who are eligible to the Able-Bodied And Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit must meet specific work requirements to receive SNAP for more than three countable months in a 36-month period.Unless you meet an exemption (outlined in our last blog post), or another exception applies, you must work, volunteer, participate in a qualifying work program such as the SNAP E&T Program, or any combination of these activities for at least 80 hours per month.
If you are subject to the ABAWD time limit and receive SNAP for 3 countable months, without meeting the work requirement or qualify for an exemption, exception or waiver, you may be at risk of being ineligible for SNAP or losing your benefits.
States with high rates of unemployment can apply for waivers from the USDA to allow families to continue receiving benefits after 3 countable months. If you’re unable to meet the ABAWD work requirement due to a lack of jobs in your area, check with your local SNAP office to see if a time limit waiver applies to you.
For more information on who falls into the ABAWD category, we’ve posted in-depth information in a previous blog post.
How and when do I report that I meet ABAWD requirements?
Your state SNAP office may ask for documentation when you apply, at recertification, or after a change in your circumstances. The documents it accepts can vary by state. Examples can include any of the following:
Paystubs for the last 30 days or employer statement showing your hours
An employer verification form or contact information for your employer
The previous year’s tax forms if you are a contract (self-employed) or gig worker
Records of volunteer hours or participation in a qualifying work program
Ask your SNAP office which documents it accepts and when to submit them. Your recertification date depends on your certification period; it is not always 12 months after you apply.
If your hours fall below 20 hours per week, averaged monthly (80 hours per month), federal rules require you to report the change. You will need to report the changes to your local SNAP office within the first 10 calendar days of the following month after the change occurred.
For example, if your average number of working hours permanently drop from 80 hours per month to 50 hours per month starting on October 12, you would have until November 10th to report the change since you would no longer be meeting the ABAWD work requirement. Other reporting schedules may have different deadlines.
If illness or another circumstance outside of your control temporarily prevents you from meeting the requirement, contact your SNAP office promptly. The state may determine whether good cause applies; don’t assume the missed hours are automatically unexcused.
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.
Read more posts from our ABAWD Series
Want to better understand the ABAWD work requirements introduced by H.R.1?
Join mRelief on November 5th, 2026 at 12 PM CT for our “SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements, What’s Changed and What to Do” webinar.
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.
