Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)

What you Need to Know about ABAWDs

Learn about SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs), as well as exemptions and recent changes.

What is SNAP? 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program that assists low-income households in purchasing food. It provides a monthly benefit to households to purchase the foods they need for their health.  

SNAP Eligibility 

SNAP considers several factors when determining eligibility, such as income, household size, and expenses. Most households must have a gross (before tax) income below 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible. Below are current SNAP eligibility income limits and maximum benefit levels for household size. 

Who are Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)?  

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are persons aged 18-49 who do not have dependents and who are: not disabled, not pregnant, and not living in a household with children.  

What are SNAP work requirements for ABAWDs? 

Under federal SNAP rules, ABAWDs are only able to get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period, unless they meet certain work requirements OR qualify for an exemption.  

To meet the work requirement and continue to receive SNAP beyond the 3-month time limit, ABAWDs must do one of the following:  

• Work at least 80 hours per month (can be for pay, in exchange for goods or services, or as an unpaid volunteer) 
• Participate in a local, state, or federal work program for at least 80 hours a month, such as Employment First or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Veteran Program. 
• Participate in “workfare” at a designated non-profit or organization site for the number of hours assigned to you each month (this will be your SNAP household’s monthly benefit amount divided by the minimum wage, which is $13.65 in 2023. So for example, an ABAWD receiving $164 in SNAP would need to complete 12 hours of monthly workfare)  
• Participate in a combination of work and work program hours, totaling at least 80 hours per month

You will not be subject to the time limit and work requirements if you meet an exemption. Exemptions include:  

• Earn $217.50 or more per week 
• Study in a school, college, or training program at least half-time (see here for info about student eligibility) 
• Meet work requirements for another program (such as Colorado Works CW/TANF or Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP)  
• Take care of a child (under 6) or an incapacitated person 
• Live with someone who is younger than 18 
• Are homeless 
• Are pregnant
• Are experiencing homelessness 
• Are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces (such as Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard) regardless of conditions of discharge or release 
• Are 24 years of age or younger, and were in foster care on the date that you turned 18 
• Are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation (for example, disability, history of being unable to maintain employment, or domestic violence) 
• Participate in an alcohol or drug treatment or rehabilitation program 
• Live in a county with high rates of unemployment that is exempt from ABAWD work requirements through a federal waiver 

If you are an ABAWD that meets an exemption, make sure that you have reported this exemption to your county office of human services. They may need verification that you meet the work requirement or an exemption, which can be submitted through Colorado.gov/PEAK or directly to your county office.

Changes to Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)  

End of COVID-19 Time Limit Pause 

Adults aged 18-49 who do not have dependents, and who do not meet additional work requirements or exemptions are generally only eligible to receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period. The COVID-19 public health emergency paused this time limit to ensure that households in need of food assistance would not be cut off from SNAP during a time of increased hardship.  

The public health emergency ended in May 2023, and as a result the pause on time limits has ended. Adults aged 18-49 who do not have dependents need to meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption in order to avoid being subject to ABAWD time limits.  

Additional Changes Coming from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Debt Ceiling Agreement) 

On June 4, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (or debt ceiling agreement) became law. The legislation included changes to SNAP ABAWD rules. It gradually increases the age limit for ABAWDs from 49 to 54. By October 2023, the ABAWD time limit will apply to persons up to age 52. That age limit will increase to persons up to age 54 in October 2024. You can see Hunger Free Colorado’s statement opposing this expansion here.  

What should I do if I’m an ABAWD? 

SNAP applicants and participants that are considered ABAWDs will receive a notice. Many individuals will likely meet one of the exemptions to ABAWD time limits listed above.  If you believe you meet an exemption, contact your county to notify them.  If you meet the work requirement, you should also contact your county. Your county may need verification that you are meeting the work requirement. Examples of verifications include pay stubs, a letter from your employer with anticipated weekly hours and pay, proof of self-employment like tax returns, or a letter about your in-kind work and the number of hours worked each week. If you are meeting the work requirement through volunteer hours, you can complete and submit this form as verification. If you have questions about how to demonstrate that you meet the work requirement, or whether you meet an exemption, reach out to your county.  If you need help submitting work requirement verifications or applying for SNAP, you can reach out to Hunger Free Colorado’s free, confidential Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626.