2. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. An ABAWD is not eligible for SNAP benefits if, during a “fixed” 36month period, the ABAWD received SNAP benefits for three countable months or more and was not at the same time:

(1) working in paid employment of at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(2) participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program under the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) or a work program under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) for at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(3) participating in and complying with the requirements of an employment training program operated by the State or political sub-division of the State, other than a job search program or a job search training program, for at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or

(4) participating in and complying with the requirements of a workfare program or volunteer community service for a monthly maximum of the value of the household benefit divided by state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. The total number of monthly required hours may be met by the ABAWD individually or collectively by members of the SNAP household. Hourly requirements of a workfare program or volunteer community service are determined by dividing the SNAP household benefit allotment by the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, rounded down to the nearest hour. Pursuant to Section 20(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act, no member will be required to work in any workfare or volunteer position to the extent that such work exceeds in value the allotment to which the household is otherwise entitled. In addition, no member may be required to work more than thirty hours per week when the required workfare or volunteer hours are combined with any other compensated work performed that week.

B. A fixed 36-month time period began October 1, 2023 and ends September 30, 2026. Subsequent time periods will follow using the same beginning and ending months, so the next fixed 36-month time period would start October 1, 2026 and end September 30, 2029.

C. A countable month (referred to in Sub-paragraph A above) is a month during which an individual receives SNAP benefits for the full benefit month while not an exempt member.

D. The work hours must be verified. In addition, ABAWDs must report when hours fall below 20 hours per week (averaged monthly), (except those working in a program described in Sub-paragraph A(4). above). If self-employed, the ABAWD must be employed for 20 hours or more per week and receive weekly earnings at least equal to state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, multiplied by 20 hours.