SNAP ABAWD Time Limits

OTDA will continue to waive the ABAWD time limit rule in all counties through February 28, 2025.

The ABAWD time limit rule is currently suspended in all counties in NYS through February 28, 2025.

Under normal circumstances, childless adults between the ages of 18 and 52—referred to in SNAP regulations as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)—are subject to a time limit rule. SNAP benefits under the ABAWD rule are limited to three months within a three-year period unless the individual is working or enrolled in a work program for 80 hours each month.

The SNAP office may still require SNAP applicants and participants to participate in SNAP Employment and Training activities. See the Maintaining SNAP Benefits and Recertification section of the SNAP Prescreening Guide for more information on work requirements.

SNAP recipients who are newly determined to fall under the ABAWD time limit rule will be sent a notice about this determination. These letters are not a notice of a requirement to work or take any action. They merely let the SNAP recipient know that they fall under the criteria for the ABAWD time limit rules which are currently suspended.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 raised the age limit for those subject to the time limit rules from 49 to 54. This change will be rolled in over time. On October 1, 2023, the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increased to 52. On October 1, 2024, the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit will increase to 54.

Other ABAWD Time Limit Rule News

USDA report: “The Impact of SNAP Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit Reinstatement in Nine States”
This report examines the reinstatement of time limits on SNAP participation for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) following the Great Recession.

To find out why ABAWD Time limit Rules must be ended, read this blog post by Ed Bolen from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.