ABAWD — SNAP Work Requirement
ABAWD = Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. If you\u0027re 18-54 with no dependent children, you\u0027re subject to the ABAWD requirement: work 80+ hours/month or get SNAP for only 3 months every 3 years. This page covers every exemption, what counts as work, and how to regain eligibility if you lose it.
1. Who\u0027s affected by ABAWD?
You are ABAWD if ALL of these are true:
- Age 18-54 (FY26)
- No minor children in your SNAP household
- Physically and mentally able to work
- Does NOT meet any other exemption (see below)
2. Exemptions — who is NOT subject to ABAWD
A single exemption is enough to avoid the requirement.
| Exemption | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | <18 or >54 (FY26) |
| Pregnant | throughout pregnancy + state-defined postpartum |
| Medically unable | permanent or temporary illness documented by doctor |
| Caring for minor | living with any minor in SNAP household (even not your kid) |
| Caring for disabled | caring for a disabled household member |
| Receiving unemployment | state unemployment benefits |
| In addiction treatment | residential rehab or outpatient treatment program |
| Veteran (new FY24) | any military service veteran — permanently exempt |
| Homeless (new FY24) | HUD-defined homeless status |
| Former foster youth | to age 25 under FFPSA 2018 |
| Student | at least half-time in school / recognized training |
| E&T program | enrolled in state SNAP Employment & Training |
| Area exempt (LWA) | your area is on FY26 exemption list due to high unemployment |
3. What counts as 80 hours/month work?
- Paid work — any employment, contractor, self-employment, contract work
- Volunteer work — yes, it counts. Verify with agency for certification if informal.
- Workfare program — state assigns you to a job (pays at SNAP rate)
- SNAP E&T (Employment & Training) — state training program. Counts in lieu of work hours. Some pay stipends.
- Education / training — at least 6 hours/week, state-recognized program
- Combinations — multiple activities can combine to 80 hours. E.g., 40h work + 40h E&T.
4. The 3-month limit
If you\u0027re subject to ABAWD and don\u0027t work 80+ hours/month, SNAP benefits are limited to 3 months within a 3-year period.
- The 3 months don\u0027t have to be consecutive
- The 3-month "clock" starts with the first SNAP month received
- The "clock" resets after 3 years from the first ABAWD month
- After 3 months, benefits terminate. To reopen: work 80+ hours in any calendar month (gets SNAP next month).
5. Exempt areas (LWAs)
Labor Market Areas (LWAs) with high unemployment rates (typically >10%) receive ABAWD exemption from the state. Exemption updates yearly, published by USDA FNS.
- Check with state SNAP agency — ask "Is my ZIP in an FY26 exempt LWA?"
- USDA FY26 list: fns.usda.gov/snap/ABAWD/Waivers
- PL 118-5 restricted LWA waivers — some states lost access
6. If you lose ABAWD benefits
- Work 80+ hours in any calendar month — gets SNAP next month. Recovered months don\u0027t count against the 3-month limit.
- Qualify for exemption — if your situation changes (injury, caring for minor, pregnancy, training), apply immediately
- Wait 3 years — clock resets, gets new 3-month allotment
- Enroll in E&T — immediately exempt while participating
- Appeal if you believe you\u0027re exempt — you have 90 days for fair hearing. Benefits may continue under "aid pending" if you request within 10 days.
Related resources
Last updated 2026-04-30. Feed America Inc. (EIN 92-1761881).