The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has notified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients classified as Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) about upcoming changes to the program’s work requirements and time limit exemptions. Starting October 1, the age limit for ABAWD will increase from 52 to 54 and time limit exemptions in 33 parishes will expire. Notices were mailed to affected SNAP recipients on August 30.SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 54 are classified as ABAWD if they are physically or mentally able to work and do not live with a child under 18 years of age.
In addition to the general SNAP benefits work requirements, ABAWD must be working, volunteer, or participate in an employment and training program for at least 80 hours per month. ABAWD who do not meet this requirement and do not qualify for a waiver are limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period.
Key Changes That Will Begin From October 1, 2024
Increase in Age Limit for ABAWD As required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the age limit for ABAWD subject to federal work requirements will increase from 52 to 54 years. Expiration of Time Limit Waivers In the previous federal fiscal year, more than half of the 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana received exemptions from ABAWD time limit rules due to high local unemployment.
These exemptions expire on October 1 of the current year. Under Act 308 of the 2024 regular legislative session, DCFS cannot apply for or renew waivers, or offer state-provided waivers to these work requirements, unless required by federal law.
There Would Be No Time Exemptions in Louisiana’s 64 Parishes
For the first time in years, there will be no time limit exemptions in any of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. Starting October 1, ABAWD across the state must meet federal work requirements to maintain their SNAP benefits. The changes are expected to affect about 20,449 people as of August 31, or 2.4% of Louisiana’s 848,389 SNAP beneficiaries as of July 30.
Previously, residents of the following 33 parishes were exempt from ABAWD requirements: Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Madison, Morehouse, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Helens, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Washington, West Carroll and Winn.
How to Meet ABAWD Work Requirements
SNAP recipients classified as ABAWD may meet the work requirement in any of the following ways:
—Have a job (paid or volunteer) for at least 80 hours per month.
—Be part of the SNAP E&T program, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), any program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974, or any veterans employment and training program operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
—Work or participate in any combination of the above activities for 80 hours or more per month.
Resources and Assistance
To help meet those work requirements, DCFS encourages ABAWD to visit dcfs.la/snapet for information about our free SNAP employment and training program. All SNAP recipients are invited to visit the website SET for Success to begin the path toward financial stability and fulfilling work through one of three DCFS workforce development programs.