Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

On November 1, 2025, HRA will be required to implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) and require certain SNAP recipients to comply with the ABAWD requirements.

Under Federal law, SNAP clients who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) need to meet certain work requirements. Generally, adults aged 18 to 64  who:

1. Do not live with a child under age 14 in the household, or
2. Are not pregnant or caring for a person who cannot care for themselves; or
3. Do not have any mental or physical barriers to employment

Will need to meet these work requirements, but HRA considers each individual on their own and other conditions may apply.

If you believe you have a mental or physical barrier to employment that would impact your ability to comply with the requirements below, please bring the Medical Statement form below to your medical, mental health or other clinical provider for completion. You can upload the completed form to ACCESS HRA, mail or fax it or drop if off at a SNAP Center https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/snap-application-frequently-asked-questions.page). 

ABAWD Medical Statement Form

To keep getting SNAP benefits for more than three (3) months in the 3-year period, each ABAWD must follow the ABAWD work rules by:

1. Spending at least 80 hours every month (20 hours per week) doing one or more of the following:

l Working (including “in-kind” work);

l Participating in a qualifying work/training program approved by HRA;

l Participating in an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs;

l Participating in a program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Act which may include job search, job readiness, occupational skills training and education activities; or

l Participating in a combination of work or qualifying work programs.

OR

2. Participating in a work experience activity approved by HRA or volunteering in a community service activity for the number of hours per month equal to the household’s SNAP benefit divided by the State minimum wage.

You will receive an ABAWD Work Activity Letter notice from HRA if you or anyone in your household is subject to ABAWD work rules.

If you receive an ABAWD notice and are not working, in school, or otherwise meeting the requirements, HRA will make an appointment with a contracted provider to help you find work activities to meet the ABAWD requirement. You will need to attend the appointment – remote options are available.

If you do not meet ABAWD work rules for any 3 months in a 3-year period, you could lose your SNAP benefits.

If you are working and have not yet told HRA, report it now and include proof of your income, i.e., paystubs. The easiest way to submit proof is through ACCESS HRA (https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/snap-application-frequently-asked-questions.page). 

Please call us at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) should you have questions about ABAWD rules.  You can also find more information at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/work-requirements.asp