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Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)

ABAWDs have a work requirement that requires them to engage in an approved work program (current federally approved work programs are the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [WIOA], Veteran Employment and Training programs, and Employment First), work, volunteer, or attend training or school for at least 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits. When ABAWDs do not meet their 80-hour work requirement in a month, they may accrue a countable month. When an ABAWD accrues three countable months, they may no longer be eligible for SNAP in a three-year period. As such, ABAWDs must be prioritized in EF recruitment efforts, case management services, and hour/activity tracking in CBMS. This supports ABAWDs in meeting their work requirement and supports ABAWDs' success in the EF program.

EF POs must communicate with SNAP eligibility teams when they become aware of any changes affecting an ABAWD’s work requirement or of ABAWD countable months. If an ABAWD does not meet their work requirement but has a reason for not doing so, such as a potential exemption to the work requirement, the EF PO must refer the ABAWD to the SNAP eligibility team to be rescreened.

Recruitment and Engagement

EF POs are responsible for recruiting and engaging SNAP applicants/recipients and providing training and employment opportunities. EF POs need to provide a summary of the EF services available and ensure clients are offered reasonable and necessary supportive payments. EF services and supportive payments must be marketed during all SNAP eligibility interviews. EF POs should effectively develop internal processes to market EF services and supportive payments. EF POs may use the promotional flyer template provided on the Employment First website and are responsible for amending and maintaining the “For more information” section of the promotional flyer. The “For more information” section of the promotional flyer must contain the EF PO logo, EF PO’s contact information, and other relevant information (such as upcoming job fairs and new supportive payments) so SNAP applicants/recipients can contact the EF program to engage with the services offered. (See SNAP and Employment First Roles and Responsibilities Memo)

In addition to the promotional flyer, EF POs may develop additional strategies for general recruitment efforts and recruitment efforts for targeted populations, including but not limited to: ABAWDs, individuals experiencing homelessness, single parents, veterans, students, returning citizens, etc. EF recruitment and engagement strategies may include: ● Building community partnerships and sharing the EF POs promotional flyer at agencies such as: ○ Libraries ○ Technical schools ○ Community colleges ○ Family resource centers ○ Food banks Last updated: July 9, 2026

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