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Page 7 of 7 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. The new and temporary good faith exemptions for Alaska and Hawaii allow the Secretary to approve the State agency to exempt individuals from the time limit if the State agency is making a good faith effort to move the individual into compliance with the work requirement per Section 10102(c) of the OBBB. These exemptions expire December 31, 2028. The State agency must submit a request and receive approval to use such good faith exemptions. For further information, please see the October 3, 2025, memorandum, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – ABAWD Waivers - Implementation Memorandum.

18. Are good faith exemptions for Alaska and Hawaii the same as discretionary exemptions? No. Discretionary exemptions were not changed by the OBBB. Each discretionary exemption allows a State agency to extend eligibility to one time-limited participants for one month per Section 6(o)(6) of the Act.