Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

Individuals who are considered able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to additional work requirements in order to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This page is a resource for understanding how this affects SNAP eligibility for ABAWDs in Colorado.

Frequently asked questions

Expand the sections below for answers to FAQs about the changes to ABAWD rules.

Who is considered an ABAWD?

ABAWDs are people who are:

• Between the ages of 18 and 64;
• Are considered physically and mentally able to work; and
• Not living with a child under the age of 14.

Are there exemptions from the ABAWD work requirement?

Certain individuals are exempt from ABAWD rules, including those who are:

• Pregnant
• Disabled or receive disability benefits (Social Security, SSI or VA)
• Physically or mentally unable to work
• Enrolled in school, college or a training program at least half-time
• Participating in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
• Receiving or have applied for unemployment benefits
• Caring for someone who is sick or disabled
• Already working 30 hours or more a week or earning at least $217.50 a week
• Meeting the work rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF
• Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian

What must an ABAWD do?

In order to maintain SNAP eligibility, ABAWDs must participate in a work activity 20 hours a week (80 hours a month). ABAWDs can only receive SNAP benefits for more than three months within a three-year period — known as the time limit — if they meet the work requirement or are otherwise exempt.

How exactly does the time limit work?

ABAWD individuals can receive SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months within a 36-month period, also known as the time limit. These months do not need to be consecutive. Once the time limit is exhausted, ABAWDs must meet the monthly work requirement to continue receiving benefits.

How do ABAWDs meet the work requirement?

ABAWD individuals must participate in a work activity 20 hours a week (or an average of 80 hours a month). This can include paid work, unpaid work (volunteer), participation in Colorado Employment First, or participation in another employment and training program.

If you are working, your paystubs will verify if you are meeting this work requirement. If you are participating in Employment First, your Employment First case manager will provide verification of your hours. If you are participating in another type of employment and training program you will need to work with your case manager to provide verification of your participation. 

If you are participating in unpaid work (volunteer work), you can use the ABAWD Volunteer Verification Form to report and verify your volunteer work. This is only required to be submitted one time during your SNAP certification period. 

What is the definition of being physically or mentally unfit for employment?

Examples of being physically or mentally unfit for employment can include but are not limited to:

• Homelessness
• Recently released from an institution
• Individuals with disabilities
• Individuals with a history of being unable to maintain employment
• Domestic violence

What is the purpose of SNAP work requirements?

The intent of work requirements is to promote SNAP recipients to self-sufficiency through the dignity of work.