Don't Lose Your SNAP Benefits

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Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Rules

Some adults without children between 18 through (and including) age 64 must meet the ABAWD Work Rules to keep SNAP for more than 3 months. You must meet these rules during the current 36-month time period, which is October 1, 2023 until September 30, 2026.

Many people do not have to meet these rules because they are exempt. 

We will ask you questions to see if you are exempt before we tell you that you must meet the rules.

COMING SOON! Click here to use the exemption screening tool on MyWayFinder

Exemptions from ABAWD work rules

If one or more of the exemptions below apply to you, you do not have to meet the ABAWD Work Rules. If none of the exemptions apply, then you may need to meet the ABAWD Work Rules. We will send you a notice if you must meet these rules.

A SNAP recipient who meets any of the following conditions is not subject to ABAWD work requirements; but, in some instances may still be required to participate in work activities that are assigned under Public Assistance and/or SNAP Employment and Training:

  • A person under 18 years of age
  • A person 65 years of age or older
  • An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 14 years of age
  • A person who is employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage times 30 (currently $217.50 per week)
  • A person responsible for the care of an incapacitated person (the incapacitated person does NOT need to live in the household)
  • A pregnant person
  • A person who is physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours per month
  • A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source, such as NYS disability benefits
  • A person who is receiving or applying for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB)
  • A student enrolled in any recognized school, job skills training, or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the student eligibility criteria to receive SNAP
  • An applicant for SNAP benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) jointly or in receipt of SSI

In most cases, you can tell MCDSS if you meet an exemption during your application or recertification interview.  Upload a written statement on NYS DocSubmit or call to tell us about an exemption that now applies to you.  We will tell you if we need any more information.

ABAWD Medical Exemption Form

ABAWD Needed in the Home Exemption Form

Pregnancy Verification Form

Employer Statement

If we determine you or someone in your SNAP household must comply with ABAWD work rules, we will send you a letter explaining who in your household must meet the rules and how.

How to meet the ABAWD work rules

Every month, if you are not exempt, you must follow any one of these rules to keep your SNAP benefits – verification of the activity must be provided to MCDSS by the end of each month:

  • Work
  • “In-kind” work and volunteer work for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Participate in a qualifying work/training program approved by the social services district for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Comply with a Work Experience assignment for the number of hours per month equal to the SNAP grant divided by State minimum wage;
  • Participate in an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Participate in a program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Act which may include job search, job readiness, occupational skills training and education activities for at least 80 hours per month; or
  • Participate in a combination of work, volunteer or qualifying work programs for at least 80 hours per month

Volunteer Work Experience Verification Form

Training/Educational Program Verification Form

If you do not follow the ABAWD work rules

If you are not exempt and do not meet the ABAWD work rules for any 3 months, you will not be eligible for SNAP until October 1, 2026, unless you start meeting the ABAWD Work Rules.

We will send you notices if you are using your 3 months and end your SNAP due to the Work Rules.

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