Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)

Please check the USDA SNAP page on Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents for more information.

SNAP Works Facts Sheet

The Time Limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) in The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Income Requirements

Households have to meet income tests unless all members are receiving TANF, TEMHA or SSI. Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests, but a household with an elderly person or a person who is receiving certain types of disability payments only has to meet the net income test. Households, except those noted, that have income over the amounts listed below cannot receive SNAP benefits.

(Oct. 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2017)

Household Size Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) Net monthly income (100% of poverty)
1 $1,287 $990
2 $1,736 $1,335
3 $2,184 $1,680
4 $2,633 $2,025
5 $3,081 $2,370
6 $3,530 $2,715
7 $3,980 $3,061
8 $4,430 $3,408
Each additional member +$451 +$347

Gross income means a household’s total, non excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

Application Process


If you have trouble getting papers (documents) or information you need, the case manager may be able to help you. If the papers are not easy to get, you may be able to give the name and phone number of someone, such as your employer, who can confirm your statements.

Citizenship and Immigrant Status:

Some people who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for the Food Supplement Program (FSP). There are exceptions for refugees, asylees, immigrants whose deportation has been withheld, Cuban/Haitian entrants, Amerasians and some immigrants legally admitted for permanent residence, parolees, aliens granted conditional entry, and certain battered spouses and children. Border Crossing Native Americans, certain Iraqi and afghan immigrants, victims of human trafficking and Hmong or Laotian tribe members may also be eligible. Even if some members of your household are not eligible, those who are may be able to get food supplement benefits.

Social Security Numbers:

You will have to provide a Social Security number for every household member, including children, except for undocumented immigrants applying on behalf of others. If any household member, other than an undocumented immigrant does not have a Social Security number, he or she will have to apply for one.

Work Rules:

With certain exceptions, able-bodied adults between 17 and 49 years of age must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program when referred to one by the local department of social services.


Most students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for food stamps. However, students may be able to get FSP benefits if otherwise eligible if they:

  1. get cash assistance benefits under a TCA program;
  2. take part in a State or federally financed work study program;
  3. work at least 20 hours a week (no averaging);
  4. are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
  6. are a single parent in school full-time with a child under 12; or
  7. are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
    1. a program under the Work Force Investment Act,
    2. a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
    3. an employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
    4. an employment and training program operated by a State or local government.
  8. are receiving disability and receiving SSI, SSA or VA disability payments, or
  9. has a disability verified by a doctor or licensed psychologist.


After adding all of your household’s countable income, the case manager will subtract certain deductions. The following deductions are allowed for all households:
standard deduction;
20 percent of earned income;
actual costs of dependent care costs for children and disabled adults if this care is needed so that a household member can work, look for a job, or get training or education leading to a job;
legally owed and paid child-support payments;
shelter expenses and utility expenses;

Proof: Verification for the following is required:

  1. verification of income, such has but not limited to: paystubs, letter from employer or award letter.
  2. child-support payments, such as a court order and cancelled checks and the legal obligation to pay;
  3. verification of legal immigrant status for eligible immigrants;
  4. medical expenses for individuals 60 or older or disabled;
  5. *Please note; any questionable or conflicting information will be investigated.

Finding Out if You Qualify:

After your interview, the local department will send you a notice. If you do not qualify for FSP benefits, the notice will provide the reason. If you qualify for benefits, the notice will explain how much food supplement benefits you will get. It will also tell you how many months you can get food supplement benefits before you must reapply.

If you think your application has been wrongly denied or that you have not gotten the correct amount of food supplement benefits, you should tell the office. If they do not agree, you must ask them to have your case reviewed by a fair hearing official. For more information about fair hearings, see the section entitled Your Rights.

Receiving Your Food Supplement Program Benefits
If the office finds that you are eligible, you should get your food supplement benefits no later than 30 days from the date you first applied, unless you qualify for faster service. If you have no income (or very little income) for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for Expedite Food Supplement benefits within 7-days. Food Supplement Program benefits are issued to households on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, called the Independence Card. You use this card to buy your food.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

Joint Application Form (HHS)





(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410


(3) email:



This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement