SNAP ABAWD Time Limit Rule

The federal Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule limits how long some adults can receive SNAP benefits if they are not working. Unemployed, non-disabled adults ages 18 to 64 in households without a child under age 14 can only receive SNAP benefits for a total of three full months in a 36-month period unless they live in an area with a waiver, meet an exemption, or meet work requirements.

The 36-month ABAWD period begins and ends on the same dates in every county in New York. On October 1, 2026, all countable months from the previous period were cleared, and anyone subject to the ABAWD rule and otherwise eligible for SNAP can receive up to three countable months through September 30, 2029.

A month is “countable” toward the time limit when a person subject to the rule receives benefits for that month but does not meet work requirements with without good cause.

What this means for people who used three countable months before October 1, 2026

Individuals who used their third countable month in September 2026 will not lose their eligibility in October, which is the first month of the new period.

Households with a member removed from SNAP during the previous ABAWD period may submit a change report on or after October 1, 2026, requesting that the excluded member be added back. If the household does not submit a change report, the SNAP office will review the person’s eligibility at the household’s next recertification.

Individuals in one-person households who lost eligibility during the previous period can reapply on or after October 1, 2026.

Note: People who return to SNAP in either of these ways will be screened for exemptions from the ABAWD time limit. Individuals who are subject to the ABAWD time limit must meet work requirements to keep their benefits for more than three months.

How community organizations can help

• Encourage people who lost SNAP under the time limit to reapply, and let them know that months from the previous period no longer count against them.
• Remind households with a member removed under the time limit to ask about adding that person back—they don’t have to wait until their next recertification.
• Use our SNAP ABAWD Time Limit Checklist to determine if time limit rules apply to a SNAP participant. Help exempt individuals provide information to their SNAP office about their status.
• Provide individuals who are “unfit for work” with NYSOTDA’s medical statement form. Includes a list of medical professionals approved to sign the form.
• Ensure individuals subject to work requirements contact their SNAP office to learn how to meet requirements and enroll in qualifying activities.
• Mediate with the SNAP office on behalf of clients wrongly denied benefits under the time limit rule.
• Share the resources below with SNAP participants and service providers in your community.