An ABAWD is a person who is age 18 to 64, not living with a child under 14, and able to work. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) limit the receipt of SNAP benefits to 3 months in a 36-month period for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who are not working at least 80 hours per month, participating in qualifying education or training activities at least 80 hours per month, participating in a program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or participating in work experience for the number of hours per month equal to the household's SNAP benefits divided by the State minimum wage. Individuals are exempt from the time limit if they are:
- An individual under 18 years of age or 65 years of age or older.
- An individual residing in a SNAP household with a child under 14 years of age.
- Responsible for the care of an incapacitated person.
- Pregnant.
- Physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours a month.
- A regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program.
- A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, Veterans Affairs or NYS disability benefits.
- A recipient or pending receipt of Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB).
- A student enrolled in a recognized school (including high school), job skills training, or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the student eligibility criteria to receive SNAP.
- An incapacitated/disabled Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicant who applied jointly for SNAP benefits through SSA office or in receipt of SSI.
- Employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage (currently $217.50 per week).
- Indian, Urban Indian, or other Indian eligible for Indian Health Services.
ABAWD Resources/Documents
B-4183 - Needed In Home Medical
B-5724TA - Medical Examination for Employability and ABAWD Determination
B5754 - Refugee Employment Program Participation Verification
B6058 - Monthly WIOA Job Search Activity Record
B6060 - ABAWD Medical Statement
B6061 - Monthly ABAWD Volunteer Participation Record
Update
New York State has received approval from the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a statewide waiver of the federal ABAWD time limit through February 28, 2026. Therefore, ABAWDS residing in Erie County are not subject to the ABAWD requirements until March 1, 2026. Failure to comply with work activity requirements without good cause may result in the loss of SNAP benefits.