SNAP Requirement to Work & Time Limit Rules - Arkansas Department of Human Services

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Congress suspended these rules because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the COVID-19 Federal public health emergency has ended, and the Time Limit Rules are back in effect. DHS resumed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Time Limit Rules on July 1, 2023.

SNAP recipients ages 18 through 64 who do not have responsibility for a child under the age of 14 living in their home, and who are considered physically and mentally able to work must follow the Time Limit Rules . This is often called the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement or the Requirement to Work.

SNAP recipients in these categories can only get SNAP benefits for 3 months in 3 years unless they meet the Time Limit Rules or meet an exemption from the Requirement to Work.