The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) have announced SNAP rule changes coming soon. Get ready if you are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents and you would like to receive Food Stamps for over 3 months in 3 years.
If you do not meet the specific work requirements and you are aged 18-54, you will only be able to receive SNAP benefits for a total of three months. But what are the conditions USDA has set?
SNAP and ABAWD work requirements
As a matter of fact, USDA offers several possibilities to meet the specific work requirements. So, you can opt for the one that suits you best depending on your personal situation. Some Americans aged 18-54 will be able to get an exemption.
This new ABAWD time limit for 18-54 SNAP recipients will start on October 1, 2024. So, it will come into effect in less than 50 days. These specific requirements will ask you to work for at least 80 hours per month.
It does not matter if you get money, services or goods in exchange. In fact, work can be as a volunteer. Another possibility is to take part in training programs for the same number of hours, 80. For example, SNAP Employment and Training among other eligible local, state, or federal programs. Combing work and training may also be possible.
Who is excused from the ABAWD work requirement and time limit for SNAP benefits?
If you are age 24 or younger and in foster care on your 18th birthday, you are eligible for an exception. If you are experiencing homelessness, you do not have to meet these specific work requirements.
Veterans can also get an exemption, just like people with a disability or if they are pregnant. Having a child or someone under 18 in your household will allow you to avoid this time limit and additional work requirements.
When it comes to disabilities, they could be a mental or physical limitation. Not meeting ABAWD work requirements implies you will lose your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after 3 months.