USDA allows Americans with a low income aged 18-54 and no kids to receive SNAP benefits for up to 3 months in a three-year-period if they do not work. In order to continue receiving these monthly payments, there is something you could do about it.
All you have to do is follow the ABAWD rules to get SNAP benefits for longer than the time limit that was set. All you have to do is work for at least 80 hours per month and you will be able to receive your Food Stamps as an ABAWD for over 3 months. This is particularly important if you are 53 or 54 years old because this rule affects you from October 1, so January could be the last month to get SNAP if you do meet this regulation.
What can I do if I cannot find a job to continue receiving SNAP benefit payments?
Luckily, ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) can find alternatives to working 80 hours per month. It could be the case that your State has very high unemployment rates or lack of jobs.
So, you could participate in a work program that is 80 hours per month. For example, USDA recommends the SNAP Employment and Training. However, other local, state, or federal work programs may be eligible if the Food Stamps office gives you the green light.
Another possibility is to combine both work and training. In this way, you could work for 40 hours and get training for 40 hours. Thus, it may be easier to find a job for a few hours. Participating in workfare is the last option USDA suggests.
Who is excused from the SNAP ABAWD work requirement and time limit?
Bear in mind that this rule is just for those who are aged 18-54, have no children, and do not qualify for an exemption. Some people have a qualifying disability, so they do not need to meet this SNAP work rule.
If you are pregnant, you do not have to meet this work requirement either. Of course, having someone under 18 also exempts you. Some people are simply excused from the general work rules, so they do not have to meet this specific condition.
Veterans can also get an exemption. For your information, if you are experiencing homelessness, you do not have to comply with this time limit. The last way to qualify for an exemption is to be up to 24 or younger and be in foster care on your 18th birthday.