ABAWD Continued Eligibility
 |
This policy explains how an Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents(g) that has received three countable months of NA benefits may be potentially eligible for NA benefits.
Policy
An Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) who has received three countable months of NA benefits may be potentially eligible for NA benefits when any of the following apply:
●The ABAWD three-year period restarts on 01/2025
●The ABAWD participant regains eligibility
●The ABAWD participant qualifies for a three-month extension
Regaining Eligibility
When a participant loses NA eligibility because of reaching the three-month limit, the participant may regain eligibility when any of the following occurs:
●Meets the ABAWD work requirement by completing any of the following:
Works at least 80 hours in any thirty-day period
Participates in a work program for at least 80 hours in a thirty-day period
Has a combination of work and work program participation of at least 80 hours in a thirty-day period
Works or participates in an employment and training program
●Meets an ABAWD exemption
●Enters a new three-year period
NOTE The ABAWD participant becomes potentially eligible for NA benefits in the month they meet one of the listed requirements.
There is no limit to the number of times an ABAWD participant can regain eligibility.
Extension Period
ABAWDs may be eligible for an extension period, which is an additional three months of NA benefits. ABAWDs may be potentially eligible when all of the following apply to the ABAWD participant:
●Was determined ineligible for receiving three countable months of NA in the current three-year period.
●Met the ABAWD work requirement during any 30 consecutive day period and is no longer meeting the ABAWD work requirement.
●Has not received an ABAWD extension period in the current three-year period.
The three-month extension is allowed only one time in a three-year period. The extension period is three consecutive months. The first month of the extension period is the first month NA eligibility is reestablished after the loss of employment or training.
Verification
The participant has the primary responsibility for providing verification. (See Participant Responsibilities – Providing Verification for additional policy.)
For verification on exemption reasons see, Exemption and Tracking.
Legal Authorities
7 CFR 273.24(b)(1)
7 CFR 273.24(b)(2)
7 CFR 273.24(b)(3)
7 CFR 273.24(c)
7 CFR 273.24(g)
FNS Waiver
last revised 10/02/2023