7 CFR § 273.24(c)(2)-(6)

Individuals who are exempt from time limits are not required to comply with ABAWD work requirements and are not subject to the 3-month time limit.  

Exempt ABAWDs from time limits if they meet one of the following criteria.

• Younger than age 18
• Age 55 or older
• Are unfit for work
• Experiencing homelessness
• Receive benefits in the same SNAP EDG with a child under age 18

Note: The child does not have to be related to the ABAWD but must be in the ABAWD’s SNAP EDG. Allow the exemption if the only child in the EDG would be a member of the SNAP EDG but is ineligible to participate because they are disqualified or ineligible.

• Age 24 or younger and in foster care when they were age 18
• Are pregnant 
• Live in an exempt town 
• Meet the discretionary exemption criteria 
• Meet a General Work Requirements Exemption; 
• Veteran; or
• Receive any temporary or permanent disability benefit

Note: Persons receiving disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) are exempt from time limits, regardless of the disability rating. 

Discretionary Exemption 

7 CFR § 273.24(g)(1)-(3)

Discretionary exemptions, approved by the SNAP Division, are granted to ABAWDs for one-month per individual during the 36 month period. 

• Policies must be applied consistently, and
• Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights is not allowed. 

ABAWDs must use their 3-countable months before the exemption is granted.  

The cases are tracked in ImpaCT and over-usage may result in a fine from FNS.