NV.gov
ABAWD FAQs
This FAQ provides general information about SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) and how ABAWD status can affect SNAP eligibility. Eligibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. 2934-EF (02/26)
ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. These are adults who must meet specific work requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. Individuals who meet these requirements may continue to receive benefits beyond three months.
An individual who:
Is 18 through 64 years old,
Is physically and mentally able to work (not medically exempt), and
Does not have a child under age 14 living in their SNAP household.
A single individual or a household where allmembers are ABAWDs may only be certified for three months in a 36-month fixed period unless they meetwork requirements, requalify for an additional three months, or qualify for an exemption.
ABAWDs may receive SNAP benefits for three full months in a36-month period unless they meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption.
An individual can regain eligibility by meeting the 80 hour per month work or training requirement.
Yes, if an individual received SNAP benefits asan ABAWD in another state, those months must be counted and tracked in Nevada.
An individual is exempt if they meet any of the following:
Age-Based Exemptions:
Under age 18, or
Age 65 or older.
Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment, including when the individual:
Receives temporary or permanent disability benefits from governmental or private sources, or
Provides a statement from a qualified professional (physician, psychologist, medical personnel, or social worker) verifying they are unable to work.
Household or Personal Circumstances:
SNAP household includes a child under the age of 14,
Is pregnant,
Is a high school student age 18 or 19,
Meets a Federal SNAP Employment & Training (SNAPET) exemption,
Is a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe,
Lives in an ABAWD-waivered area.
An individual meets ABAWD work requirements if they complete one of the following each month:
Work 80 hours or more,
Participate in an approved work or training program for 80 hours or more, or
Complete a combination of work and approved activities totaling 80 hours.
Approved programs and activities are those that count toward the 80-hour ABAWD requirement because they support employment, training, or skill development.
Examples may include:
SNAP Employment & Training (SNAPET)
State-operated program providing employment and training opportunities. Individuals must be able to seek work or training.
DSS Workforce Development Unit (WDU) activities
State-supervised programs to support skill building and employment.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs:
- Assists individuals to find employment, receive training, and improve skills. Providers include:
- Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR)
- EmployNV program Workforce Connections
(Southern Nevada) - Nevadaworks (Northern Nevada)
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs:
Support workers who lose jobs due to foreign trade. Offer training, job search assistance, and other services.
Certain employment or training programs offered by the Department of Labor or Department of Veterans Affairs
Includes veteran-specific programs providing job placement, career counseling, and training opportunities.
Individuals considered ABAWDs who do not have a stable, regular, or adequate nighttime residence cannot participate in SNAPET. They can still meet ABAWD work requirements through other activities such as employment, approved work programs, community service, or volunteer work.
Standalone job search or job search training does not count toward ABAWD work requirements when completed within SNAPET or WDU programs—unless it is combined with another activity in the program and makes up less than 50% of total ABAWD hours.