Page 2

Page 2 of 4 As provided at 7 CFR 273.24(f)(2)(i) this data may include evidence of: x A recent 12-month average unemployment rate over 10 percent; x A recent three-month average unemployment rate over 10 percent; or x An historical seasonal unemployment rate over 10 percent. Areas will continue to qualify for waivers that are readily approvable based on evidence that an area has a most recent 12-month average unemployment rate over 10 percent, per 7 CFR 273.24(f)(3). State agencies must continue to use Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data or methods if it is available for the requested area. State agencies may only submit requests using alternate methods for areas in which data from BLS or a BLS-cooperating agency is unavailable. FNS will carefully evaluate all requests per the criteria described above. FNS will not approve waivers with a duration exceeding 12 months. Terminating Active ABAWD Waivers FNS strongly encourages State agencies to terminate active ABAWD waivers approved under the outdated “lack of sufficient jobs” criteria as soon as possible using the Waiver Information Management System (WIMS). FNS will terminate any such ABAWD waivers 30 days after issuance of this memorandum. State agencies with a currently approved ABAWD waiver based on the lack of sufficient jobs criterion that expires on or before November 2, 2025, do not need to take further action to terminate. Prior to termination, State agencies must prepare to enforce the time limit in areas which will no longer have ABAWD waivers. At a minimum, these activities include updating eligibility systems, notifying SNAP households of the time limit, and training eligibility workers. FNS strongly encourages State agencies to fully implement the work requirements and not seek waivers. Able-bodied adults have ample opportunities to re-engage with their communities even in areas with relatively high unemployment through other activities that meet the requirement. Additionally, State agencies must screen each work registrant to determine if it is appropriate, based on the State agency’s criteria, to refer the individual to a SNAP Employment and Training program per 7 CFR 273.7(c)(2). Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts.