SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides vital food assistance for low-income individuals and families. However, if you lose your benefits due to the ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirements, it can be difficult to get them back. These work rules apply to adults aged 18-54 who don’t have dependents or exemptions, limiting their SNAP eligibility to just three months within a three-year period unless they meet certain work conditions.
The good news is that there are several ways to regain or maintain SNAP benefits even if you’ve lost them due to the ABAWD rules. In this article, we’ll explain what the ABAWD work requirements are, the exemptions that may apply to you, and the steps you can take to get your benefits back.
What Are ABAWD Work Requirements?
ABAWD work requirements apply to adults between the ages of 18 and 54 who do not have dependents. To continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months within a three-year period, ABAWD individuals must meet one of the following:
- Work at least 80 hours a month (about 20 hours per week).
- Participate in a work program or volunteer activity that totals 80 hours per month.
- Enroll in an approved work training program (whether paid or unpaid).
If an ABAWD adult fails to meet these requirements, their SNAP benefits may be suspended. But there are ways to regain those benefits, even if the work requirements aren’t met.
Steps to Regain Your SNAP Benefits
If you’ve lost your SNAP benefits because you didn’t meet the ABAWD work requirements, there are several steps you can take to regain them:
1. Complete the 30-Day Work Requirement
One option is to meet the ABAWD work requirement by completing 80 hours of work or an eligible work activity within a 30-day period. If you do this, you can reapply for SNAP benefits. The work can be paid or volunteer work, as long as it totals at least 80 hours.
2. Qualify for an Exemption
If you cannot meet the work requirement, you may still be eligible for SNAP benefits if you qualify for one of the ABAWD exemptions. These exemptions include situations like:
- Age-Based Exemption: If you are under 24 and were in foster care on your 18th birthday, you are exempt.
- Homelessness: People who do not have a stable or fixed living situation may be exempt.
- Veteran Status: Veterans are generally exempt from the ABAWD work requirement.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals are automatically exempt.
- Disability: If you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working, you may qualify for an exemption.
- Caring for a Child Under 18: If you are the primary caregiver for a child under 18, you are exempt.
- Caring for an Incapacitated Person: If you are the primary caregiver for someone who cannot care for themselves due to a disability or illness, you may also qualify for an exemption.
3. Wait for the Eligibility Reset Period
If you are unable to meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption, your eligibility will reset after three years. Once this period is over, you can apply again and potentially receive benefits for another three months, even if you still don’t meet the work requirements.
Alternative Ways to Maintain SNAP Benefits
While waiting for the eligibility reset or attempting to meet the work requirements, there are other strategies to help maintain your benefits:
- Join an Eligible Work or Training Program: Many programs like SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) offer job search assistance, skill development, and educational opportunities. Participation in these programs can help you maintain SNAP benefits.
- Volunteer Work: If you can’t find traditional employment, volunteering is another way to meet the ABAWD work requirement. Many community organizations and charities offer volunteer opportunities, and this work can help fulfill the 80-hour monthly requirement.
- Work Training Programs: If you’re not able to find a job, consider enrolling in a work training program. These programs can be paid or unpaid, and they count toward the ABAWD work requirement.
Conclusion
Losing SNAP benefits due to the ABAWD work requirements can be tough, but there are multiple ways to regain or extend your benefits. By meeting the 30-day work requirement, qualifying for an exemption, or waiting for the reset period, you can reapply and restore your benefits. Additionally, you can maintain eligibility by joining work training programs or volunteering to meet the work requirement. Staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring that you continue receiving the support you need for essential food expenses.
FAQ’S
1. What is the ABAWD work requirement for SNAP benefits?
The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirement applies to adults aged 18-54 who do not have children or other exemptions. To keep SNAP benefits, they must work at least 80 hours a month, volunteer, or participate in an approved training program.
2. How can I get my SNAP benefits back after losing them due to ABAWD rules?
You can regain your SNAP benefits by either meeting the work requirement (80 hours of work or eligible activities within 30 days), qualifying for an exemption (like being pregnant, disabled, or caring for a child), or waiting for the eligibility reset after three years.
3. What are some common exemptions from the ABAWD work requirement?
Exemptions include being under 24 and in foster care on your 18th birthday, being pregnant, having a disability, caring for a child under 18, or being the primary caregiver for someone who cannot care for themselves.