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3 Section 260 Change #02-2025 December 1, 2025 FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 260 ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS (ABAWD)

ABAWD Work Requirement Exemptions In addition to the general work registration requirements, individuals may also be subject to the ABAWD work requirements and time limits, unless they meet an ABAWD exemption. H.R. 1 modifies the ABAWD requirements by adding exemptions for Indians, Urban Indians, or California Indians. H.R. 1 eliminates exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth. In addition, H.R. 1 increases the upper age limit exemption from age 55 to 64, and limits the exemption based on living with a dependent child to households with a child under age 14, instead of 18.

Category (Pre-H.R.1) Individual is exempt from ABAWD work requirements if… (Post-H.R.1) Individual is exempt from ABAWD work requirements if… General Already exempt from general work requirements under FNS 240.03. No changes; except those aged 60-64 are no longer exempt on this basis alone. Age Younger than age 18 or age 55 and older Younger than age 18 or age 65 and older; individuals ages 55-64 are now subject to ABAWD work requirements, unless otherwise exempt. Dependent age Living with someone under age 18 in household Living with someone under age 14 in household; individuals with dependents ages 14-17 in households are subject to ABAWD work requirements, unless otherwise exempt. Ability to work Obviously mentally or physically unfit for employment as determined by the State agency or statement from medical personnel verifying unfitness. Other populations Experiencing homelessness

N/A; homeless individuals are now subject to ABAWD work requirements, except North Carolina policy finds that individuals experiencing chronic homelessness have physical or mental barriers to work and may be found exempt as unfit. A veteran N/A; veterans are subject to ABAWD work requirements, unless receiving VA disability benefits at any rating. 24 years or younger and in foster care when at age 18 N/A; former foster youth are subject to ABAWD work requirements. Receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits. Pregnant N/A Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian