Updated policy to reflect that application without a program selected will be entered into HEAplus with NA and MA only. Applications will no longer include CA unless requested. (Updated as of 07/01/2026)

 

Updated procedures to direct workers to review CACTUS due changes made in HOSC from system migration, removed references to GUIDE, and added info regarding CACTUS. (Updated as of 06/08/2026)

 

Removed the procedure about screening during a telephone application, because telephone applications are no longer being taken as of 11/01/2025. Formatted procedure about applications turned into an FAA office for clarity. (Updated as of 01/26/2026; Effective 02/02/2026)

 

Clarified purchase and prepare separately, when to request verification of living arrangements, and what actions must be taken when verification of living arrangements is not provided. (Clarified as of 04/27/2026) New PP denial code has been added for when the purchase and prepare separate statement is not provided. (Added as of 04/27/2026)

 

Clarified purchase and prepare separately, when to request verification of living arrangements, and what actions must be taken when verification of living arrangements is not provided. (Clarified as of 04/27/2026) New PP denial code has been added for when the purchase and prepare separate statement is not provided. (Added as of 04/27/2026)

 

FAA no longer attempts to complete the interview and determination on the same day when screened as an NA expedite. (Updated as of 01/26/2026; Effective 02/02/2026) Clarified the steps to take to request a home based or nontraditional interview. (Effective 02/09/2026)

 

Updated the ABAWD age limit. (Updated as of 03/02/2026; Effective 03/09/2026)

 

Clarified policy to reflect the Geographically Exempt (GE) may be considered prior to all other ABAWD Exemptions. (Clarified as of 01/20/2026) Added Screening for NA Work Responsibilities to the Policy section. (Updated as of 02/09/2026; Effective 02/23/2026) Policy has been updated to include directions for use of the FAA-1530A for reporting changes in ABAWD eligibility status. (Updated as of 05/18/2026) Added clarification for meeting the ABAWD work requirement by enrollment in a course referred to or accepted by the work program as an employment and training component. (Updated as of 06/29/2029) Policy has been updated to include keying procedures when an ABAWD participant has met their three months of allowable benefits. (Updated as of 06/29/2029)

 

A note about participation in SNAP CAN was added at the end of the list of exemptions. Added procedures for completion of Screening for NA Work Responsibilities. (Updated as of 02/09/2026; Effective 02/23/2026) Updated to remove information regarding reopening NA cases after the effective date of closure.(Updated as of 02/17/2026). Added information about staff access to update CODF. (Updated as of 03/02/2026; Effective 03/09/2026). 2026 ABAWD geographical (partial) waiver was approved from 03/01/26 to 02/28/27. Added geographic exemption for FNS approved areas in Arizona. (Updated as of 04/06/2026).; Added that the FAA-1533A form, FAA-1249A form, or A024 notice, when complete, current and in the case file, can be used as verification of unfit for work. (Updated as of 04/27/2026).

 

Removed reference to NAWA and updated procedures due to the reinstatement waiver ending. (Updated as of 02/17/2026) Revised for clarification and alignment with 7 CFR 273.24. (Updated as of 04/20/2026)