7 CFR § 273.24(b)(3)(i)-(ii)


ABAWD countable months are electronically tracked per person with an individual fixed clock. The 36-month clock begins with the month of application and looks forward 35 months for a total of 36 months.

  

Example: An ABAWD applies December 1, 2023. The individual fixed clock period begins December 1, 2023 through November 30, 2026.

Countable Month

7 CFR § 273.24(b)(1)(i)-(iv)


ABAWD eligibility is time-limited to 3 months in any 36-month period in which the ABAWD is subject to, but not complying with, the ABAWD work requirements. A month is a countable month unless the ABAWD:

  • is exempt from time limits 
  • meets the ABAWD work requirement
  • receives prorated benefits
  • living in an exempt town
  • granted discretionary exemption
  • determined to have good cause
  • in the month of notification from SNAP E&T of a "provider determination"


Exception: Do not count months in Connecticut prior to November 30, 2023 when Connecticut had a statewide waiver of ABAWD rules.

Out-of-State Countable Months

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(xiv)(B)


Contact the other State if the ABAWD received SNAP benefits out-of-state to: 

  • verify the SNAP benefits stopped, and  
  • confirm countable months in that state.

         

Count any months that are part of the ABAWD’s 36-month period set in Connecticut.

                                        

Example: An ABAWD applies in July 2018 and states they received SNAP in another State in 2017. The individual has an established CT 36-month time period running from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2019. The individual used one month in CT in June 2016 and one month in the other State in May 2017. The individual’s CT clock must be set to show 2 countable months used, and one countable month remaining.  


Example: An ABAWD applies July 1, 2018 and states they received SNAP in another State in June 2018. The individual does not have an established CT 36-month time period. The worker verifies the receipt of SNAP and that benefits in the other state are closed. The ABAWD’s 36-month time period begins in CT and runs from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.

No Countable Months Left

7 CFR § 273.24(b)(1)(i)-(iv)


When the 3-countable months are used, the ABAWD is no longer eligible for SNAP benefits, unless they meet an exemption or the ABAWD work requirements.  


ImpaCT runs a batch process in the 3rd month to prevent further issuances and issues a report identifying the cases. Close the case or remove the ineligible ABAWD and issue an advance notice W-0001N, Notice of Action, advising:

  • why the individual is ineligible, 
  • what months were countable, 
  • how they can become eligible,
  • their new benefit amount (if applicable), and
  • their fair hearing rights.  


See Ineligible Members for treatment of the income and assets of an ineligible ABAWD who is a member of an eligible SNAP EDG.