Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)

What is SNAP? 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program that assists low-income households in purchasing food. It provides a monthly benefit to households to purchase the foods they need for their health.  

SNAP Eligibility 

SNAP considers several factors when determining eligibility, such as income, household size, and expenses. Most households must have a gross (before tax) income below 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible. Below are current SNAP eligibility income limits and maximum benefit levels for household size. 

See this table for income limits

What are SNAP work requirements for ABAWDs? 

Under federal SNAP rules, ABAWDs are only able to get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period, unless they meet certain work requirements OR qualify for an exemption.  

To meet the work requirement and continue to receive SNAP beyond the 3-month time limit, ABAWDs must do one of the following:  

• Work at least 80 hours per month (can be for pay, in exchange for goods or services, or as an unpaid volunteer) 
• Participate in a local, state, or federal work program for at least 80 hours a month, such as Employment First or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Veteran Program.
• Participate in “workfare” at a designated non-profit or organization site for the number of hours assigned to you each month (this will be your SNAP household’s monthly benefit amount divided by the hourly state minimum wage, which is $14.42 in 2024. So, for example, an ABAWD receiving $160 in SNAP would need to complete 11 hours of monthly workfare)
• Participate in a combination of work and work program hours, totaling at least 80 hours per month

You will not be subject to the time limit and work requirements if you meet an exemption. Exemptions include:  

• Already working at least 30 hours a week or earning at least $217.50 a week (the equivalent of 30 hours at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 as of 2024).
• Study in a school, college, or training program at least half-time (see here for info about student eligibility) 
• Meet work requirements for another program (such as Colorado Works CW/TANF or Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP)  
• Take care of a child (under 6) or an incapacitated person 
• Live with someone who is younger than 18 
• Are homeless 
• Are pregnant
• Are experiencing homelessness 
• Are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces (such as Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard) regardless of conditions of discharge or release 
• Are 24 years of age or younger, and were in foster care on the date that you turned 18 
• Are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation (for example, disability, history of being unable to maintain employment, or domestic violence) 
• Participate in an alcohol or drug treatment or rehabilitation program 
• Live in a county with high rates of unemployment that is exempt from ABAWD work requirements through a federal waiver 

If you are an ABAWD that meets an exemption, make sure that you have reported this exemption to your county office of human services. They may need verification that you meet the work requirement or an exemption, which can be submitted through Colorado.gov/PEAK or directly to your county office.

What should I do if I’m an ABAWD? 

SNAP applicants and participants that are considered ABAWDs will receive a notice. Many individuals will likely meet one of the exemptions to ABAWD time limits listed above.  If you believe you meet an exemption, contact your county to notify them.  If you meet the work requirement, you should also contact your county. Your county may need verification that you are meeting the work requirement. Examples of verifications include pay stubs, a letter from your employer with anticipated weekly hours and pay, proof of self-employment like tax returns, or a letter about your in-kind work and the number of hours worked each week. If you are meeting the work requirement through volunteer hours, you can complete and submit this form as verification. If you have questions about how to demonstrate that you meet the work requirement, or whether you meet an exemption, reach out to your county.  If you need help submitting work requirement verifications or applying for SNAP, you can reach out to Hunger Free Colorado’s free, confidential Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626.