ABAWD Time Limits

ABAWDs are not eligible to participate in SNAP if they have received SNAP benefits for more than three countable months during a thirty-six (36) month period. However, ABAWDs may be eligible for up to three additional consecutive months after regaining eligibility in accordance with paragraph (C) of this section. A. Countable months 1. Countable months are accrued when an ABAWD received SNAP benefits for the full benefit month but did not: A. Meet an exemption; or B. Fulfill their work requirements. 2. When an individual turns eighteen years old (18) and enters ABAWD status, they do not accrue a countable month in the month they turn eighteen (18). If they do not meet an ABAWD exemption, they will begin to accrue countable months in the month after the month in which they turn eighteen (18). B. Good cause for countable months If an ABAWD would have worked an average of twenty (20) hours per week but missed some work for good cause, the ABAWD shall be considered to have me the work requirement if the absence from work is temporary and the individual retains work. Good cause for countable months shall include circumstances beyond the individual’s control, such as, but not limited to, illness, illness of another household member requiring the presence of the member, a household emergency, or the unavailability of transportation. C. The ABAWD time limit clock: 1. Counts accrued countable months for all ABAWDs who are not in compliance with work requirements and do not have an exemption; and 2. Resets accrued countable months and ABAWD disqualifications, regardless of start date, for all ABAWDs every thirty-six (36) calendar months starting July 1, 2023. D. Regaining Eligibility 1. An individual who is denied eligibility under this provision can regain eligibility if in a thirty

(30) calendar day period, the individual: a. Worked eighty (80) or more hours; b. Participates in and complies with the requirements of a work program for eighty

(80) or more hours; c. Participates and complies with the Workfare Program as described in section 4.313; or d. Becomes exempt. 2. The individual will be reinstated if otherwise eligible and will continue to be eligible if the individual continues to meet the work requirement or is exempt. 3. If an individual regains eligibility but then fails to continue meeting these requirements, the individual shall remain eligible for a consecutive three-month period after the individual notifies the local office. The individual can only have this provision applied for a single three-month period in the thirty-six (36) calendar month period.