WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum today emphasizing that able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits must meet statutory work requirements.
The notice was directed to all state agencies that administer SNAP, reinforcing that benefits must be linked to an expectation of work, education, or volunteering for individuals who are capable.
“Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” said Agriculture Secretary Rollins. He criticized what he described as the misuse of waiver requests by some states to avoid enforcing work requirements.
The USDA’s message follows changes made under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to state that SNAP aims to assist low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing earnings. The legislation underscored the importance of reducing dependency on public assistance and fostering self-sufficiency.
Under Section 6(o)(4) of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture has sole authority to approve or deny state requests for waivers to the ABAWD time limit. Such waivers may be granted if an area’s unemployment rate exceeds 10% or if there are insufficient job opportunities available for ABAWDs.
The memorandum signals a shift in SNAP policy enforcement, with federal officials pledging closer oversight of waiver applications and a renewed emphasis on work participation among recipients.
