The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) have announced SNAP rule changes coming soonGet ready if you are a physically healthy adult without dependents and you want to receive Food stamps for over 3 months in 3 years.

If you do not meet the specific job requirements and are between 18 and 54 years old, you can only receive SNAP Benefits for a total of three months. But what are the Conditions set by the USDA?

SNAP and ABAWD – What are the specific work requirements

In fact, USDA offers several options to meet specific work requirements, so you can choose the one that best suits you based on your personal situation. Some Americans ages 18 to 54 may be eligible for an exemption.

This new ABAWD time limit for 18- to 54-year-olds SNAP recipients begin October 12024. So it will come into effect in less than 50 days. These specific requirements require you to work at least 80 hours per month.

It doesn’t matter if you receive money, services or goods in return. Actually, The work can be done on a voluntary basis. Another option is to participate in training programs for the same number of hours, 80. For example, SNAP Employment and Training in addition to other eligible local, state, or federal programs. A combination of work and training may also be possible.

Arguments for restricting the ABAWD exceptions:

• Proponents argue that work requirements promote self-employment and help people achieve financial independence.
• Exceptions should be limited to those who really cannot work, such as people with severe disabilities or barriers.
• Too many exemptions could undermine the aim of promoting work and reducing dependence on state support.

Arguments for extending the ABAWD exemptions:

• Critics argue that strict work requirements unfairly disadvantage vulnerable people who face significant obstacles in finding work.
• Many low-income ABAWDs may lack access to stable jobs, transportation, education/training, health care, and other supportive services necessary to maintain steady employment.
• Stopping food aid will not address the root causes of unemployment and could actually worsen food insecurity and poverty.

Top training programs that help SNAP beneficiaries meet work requirements

Some of the key training programs that can help meet work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries include:

• Job placement (non-financial): These include resume writing, networking with employers, simulated interviews, job search training, and professional certifications.
• Support Services (Financial): These help with work/interview clothing, transportation (bus tickets, gas reimbursement, car repairs), work permits, and course registration fees.
• Assisted job search: Participants receive training and help in finding a job.
• Job search training: Provides training in job search skills, application writing, interview techniques, etc.
• Professional experience: Participants gain skills and experience through actual work placements, which may include internships. This helps to demonstrate current work experience and references.
• Vocational training: Competency-based training programs that focus on a specific occupation or industry, such as healthcare, computer skills, office skills, etc. Examples include the 12-week ABLE Skills2Work computer and office skills training program and the Transitions to Work program, which provides job skills training to young adults with disabilities.
• Education: Programs to improve basic skills or employability, such as GED and ESL courses.
• Job retention: The services offered are intended to help participants maintain the employment they have already acquired.

Who is exempt from the ABAWD work requirement and the SNAP benefits deadline?

If you are 24 years or younger and living in foster care on your 18th birthday, you are eligible for an exemption. If you are homeless, you do not have to meet these specific work requirements.

Veterans can also receive an exemption, just like people with a disability or if they pregnantIf you have a child or a person under the age of 18 living in your household, you can avoid this deadline and the additional workload.

Disabilities can include mental or physical limitations. If you do not meet the work requirements of ABAWD, you will lose your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after 3 months.

How the birth of a child affects ABAWD work requirements for SNAP benefits

With a Child or person under 18 years in the household exempts a person from ABAWD (Working-age adults without dependents) Work requirements for SNAP benefits. Here are the key points:

• The general SNAP work requirements apply to able-bodied individuals ages 16 to 59 unless they meet certain exceptions. One exception is caring for a child under age 6 or someone who is unable to work.
• The ABAWD work requirement and time limit applies to able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 (the age will be raised to 54 by 2024) who have no dependents. under 18 in your SNAP household exempts you from the ABAWD rules.
• *The general work rules apply to adults with children. However, the stricter ABAWD rules do not apply if you have a child under 18 in your SNAP household. You do not have to work or train 80 hours per month and the 3-month limit does not apply.
• Recent amendments to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 will gradually increase the age limit for ABAWD to 54 years by 2024. However, children under 18 will continue to be exempt from ABAWD rules.