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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 265 ABAWD SERVICES PROGRAM

1 Section 265 Change #18-2021 September 20, 2021 FNS 265 ABAWD SERVICES PROGRAM Change #18-2021 SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

265.00 ABAWD SERVICES PROGRAM The Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) 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 described in FNS 260 Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD). All local county departments of social services (Employment and Training [E&T], 15% Exempt, Remote, and Workfare) have the authority to draw down 100% E&T ABAWD funds to pay the cost of operating a program for ABAWDS that results in their placement and participation in an education, training, or work experience (work site). The federal funds are capped and must be earned through the placement of ABAWDS in approved activities. 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 E&T Coordinator in the Economic Services at (919) 527-6300 prior to implementing the program. 265.01 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. EXAMPLE: A FNS benefit of $123 divided by $7.25 = 17 hours a month work site obligation.