7 CFR § 273.7(m)(9)(ii) & 7 CFR § 273.24(a)(1)-(4)


Any month an ABAWD meets one of the following work requirements is not a countable month:

  • Works at least 80 hours or more in a 30-day period.

Note: Work means employment, self-employment, volunteer work, or working in exchange for in-kind income; 

  • Participates at least 80 hours in a 30-day period in any of the following qualifying work activities: 
    • SNAP Employment and training (E&T) program operated and supervised by the State.
    • Programs under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 for workers who have or may lose their job due to increased imports.
    • Programs under WIOA.
    • Any employment and training program serving veterans that is offered by the Department of Labor or Veterans Affairs.
    • Programs under Workforce Partnerships.

Note: Cannot use SNAP E&T funds

  • Combination of work and participation in qualifying work activities at least 80 hours a month.

Good Cause for Not Meeting the ABAWD Work Requirement

7 CFR § 273.24(b)(2)


A month is not countable if good cause is found.  


To qualify for good cause, the ABAWD must:

  • still retain the job; or
  • plan to continue to participate in the activity that meets the work requirement; and
  • have a good reason that is beyond the individual’s control such as, but not limited to:
    • a household emergency,
    • illness of the ABAWD, 
    • illness of another EDG member requiring the ABAWD’s presence, 
    • lack of transportation, or
    • other reasons beyond the individual’s control.