Important information on SNAP changes for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents

An ABAWD is an able-bodied person between the ages of 18 and 52 without dependents in the household. You or any household member between the ages of 18 through 52 may be considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD). An ABAWD can only be eligible for three (3) months of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamp) benefits in a three (3) year period unless they are participating in the SNAP work requirement. Many SNAP ABAWDS are already complying with the work requirement. The ABAWD SNAP work requirement is:

• Work or volunteer with a reputable source at least 20 hours a week (80 hours per month) or more, OR
• Participate in a qualified training program for an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) or more.
   

Note: The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 gradually increased the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit:

• Effective September 1, 2023: The age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increased to age 50 (no longer an ABAWD at the age of 51), ABAWD individuals aged 18 to 50 are subject to the ABAWD time limit.
• Effective October 1, 2023: The age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increased to age 52 (no longer an ABAWD at the age of 53), ABAWD individuals aged 18 to 52 are subject to the ABAWD time limit.
• Effective October 1, 2024: The age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit will increase to age 54 (no longer an ABAWD at the age of 55), ABAWD individuals aged 18 to 54 are subject to the ABAWD time limit.

Qualified training programs are offered through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and can include:

• A program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, including any service which organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual;
• A program under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, for example, training for a specific career path; OR
• Attendance in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes participating in certain SNAP Education and Training activities is one way individuals subject to the time limit can fulfill the SNAP ABAWD work requirement, maintain their eligibility to receive SNAP, and learn the skills they need to obtain gainful employment. Visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website for information on Jobs and Education at https://www.tn.gov/workforce.

Individuals are exempt from the time limit if they are:

• Under 18 or 53 years of age or older; 
• Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment (verification required by DHS); 
• Responsible for a dependent child who lives in the household or residing in the household with a household member who is under 18; 
• A parent (natural, adoptive, or step) of a household member under age 18, even if the household member who is under 18 is not him/herself eligible for SNAP;
• Pregnant; 
• Experiencing homelessness;
• A veteran;
• Age 24 or younger and in foster care on their 18th birthday;
• Exempt from the general SNAP work requirements under section 6(d) of the Food Stamp Act.

Special note: If you feel that you have a physical or mental barrier to employment, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. The types of services provided are based on the needs of the individual and are designed to help the individual to become employable. Vocational rehabilitation staff will assess the needs in order to determine an appropriate employment objective and prove appropriate services.

A household member can avoid SNAP case closure by complying with the work requirements as quickly as possible; providing the appropriate verification to your caseworker; or contacting your SNAP caseworker if you think that you are exempt from the work requirement.

An individual may regain eligibility at any time by meeting the ABAWD SNAP work requirement for 30 consecutive days or by meeting an exemption from ABAWD work requirements.

You can contact the Family Assistance Services Center at 1-866-311-4287 to inquire about your status. You will also receive a letter indicating you are required to meet the ABAWD work requirements. The call volume may be higher than usual as a result of the change. You can also send us a direct email or view information about your case by using Case Connect: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/need-help-/family-assistance-questions.html.

New time limit for ABAWD will begin January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The new time limit will allow ABAWDs that have previously exhausted their 3 months to be potentially eligible for 3 months over the new 3 year period.

ABAWDs can only get SNAP for 3 months over 3 years or 36 months if they do not meet the necessary SNAP work requirements. The three months are cumulative, so participants can use an individual month at different times throughout the 36 months. To be eligible beyond the 3 months, an ABAWD must work at least 20 hours per week, volunteer with a reputable organization at least 20 hours per week, or participate in qualifying education and training activities at least 20 hours per week, such as the SNAP Employment and Training program provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development. 

The original ABAWD work requirement was waived during the Great Recession in 2008. Tennessee, along with many other states across the nation has gradually moved toward lifting the waiver as the economy has recovered. With Tennessee's record low unemployment rates and significant job growth, the waiver is no longer needed across the state.