Who is an ABAWD?

An ABAWD is a person who is:

• Aged 18 to 64
• Not living with a child under 14, and
• Able to work

Does everyone need to follow the ABAWD work rules?

No. You might not have to follow the ABAWD work rules. Please see the exemptions section below. 

Exemptions from ABAWD Work 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:

• You are younger than age 18, or age 65 or older,
• Someone in your household is younger than age 14,
• You receive disability benefits from a public or private source, such as Veterans Affairs or New York State disability benefits,
• You are pregnant,
• You are unable to work at least 80 hours per month because of a physical or mental health reason,
• You are an Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or other Indian eligible for the Indian Health Services, or

Download the ABAWD Medical Exemption form below if you believe you meet an exemption listed above.

You are excused from the General SNAP Work Rules because you are:

• A 16 or 17-year-old who is not the head of the household or who is in school or in an employment program at least half-time,
• Unable to work because of a mental or physical health reason,
• Taking care of a child younger than age 6,
• Taking care of an incapacitated person,
• Meeting the work rules under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program,
• Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits,
• Participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program,
• Enrolled in a school, training program, or college at least half-time (students may be subject to other eligibility rules),
• Already working at least 30 hours per week,
  • Already earning $217.50 or more per week, OR
  • An SSI applicant or recipient.