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Work Requirement

Once a family or individual is approved for food assistance, adults of the family who are considered Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) must meet the work requirement in order to continue to receive food assistance.

An ABAWD is any individual who is:

  • At least 18 years old, but not yet 50,
  • Able-bodied,
  • Not pregnant, and
  • Not in an assistance group with a minor child
There are several different ways to meet the work requirement:

  1. Work 20 hours per week
  2. Participate 20 hours per week in a job search program (for a maximum of three months)
  3. Volunteer in a work experience program. the number of hours you must complete is the amount you are receiving in food assistance, divided by minimum wage.
Individuals that are not currently working or participation in a recognized job search program can fulfill the work requirement by volunteering.
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