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

status changes if a change in situation occurs, e.g., if it becomes known to the agency that the individual is now exempt. If the ABAWD temporarily fails to meet the work requirement (with good cause), do not count as a non-compliant month.

260.08 ABAWD MORE THAN A JOB NC SERVICES PROGRAM The Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) More Thana Job NC Services Program is an optional program that counties may participate in to help ABAWDS become employable and maintain eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits beyond the three-month limit.

Local county departments of social services are not required to participate in this program; however, the Division strongly encourages each county to implement services for ABAWDS. Counties that wish to implement the ABAWD Services Program must contact the Food and Nutrition Services More Than a Job NC Coordinator in the Economic Services at (919) 527-6300 prior to implementing the program.

260.09 COMPONENT ACTIVITIES FOR ABAWDS The following activities are optional for each county. It is not required that counties carry out the activities either as a function of the department of social services or under contract. The local department of social services has the authority to contract with local providers to carry out these activities. A. An ABAWD is placed in and actively participates in a program under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for a minimum of 20 hours each week. B. An ABAWD is placed and actively participates in a community college program or programs (i.e., Pathways to Employment, HRD, GED, ABE, AHS) for a minimum of 20 hours each week. C. An ABAWD is placed and actively participates in community work experience (work site) for the required number of hours a month. Determine the number of hours that are required monthly by dividing the FNS benefit amount by the current federal minimum wage. 1. EXAMPLE: A FNS benefit of $123 divided by $7.25 = 17 hours a month work site obligation. a. If the ABAWD is a member of a household where others are receiving FNS benefits, divide the entire household FNS benefit amount by hourly minimum wage. 2. EXAMPLE: An ABAWD is in a FNS unit with two non-ABAWDS. The household benefit is $321. Divide $321 by minimum wage to determine