OLGT 2024-52: SNAP: Able-bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Rules Screening Reminder

To preserve as many discretionary exemptions as possible, staff are again reminded that clients must be screened for exemptions from the ABAWD Work Rules at every application, recertification, and Interim Report.

If a client meets a non-discretionary exemption, it is crucial that staff update the Work Requirements-FS page with the appropriate dropdown selection for Required Status reason and, if applicable, update the corresponding BEACON pages. For example, if the client self-declares they are pregnant, staff must select Pregnant for the Required Status reason and complete the Pregnancy page. No additional verification is needed.

As detailed in Online Guide Transmittal 2024-36, the Department has increased its use of discretionary exemptions from the ABAWD Work Rules and is at risk of exhausting these exemptions sooner than expected.

In order to identify whether a client has an ongoing exemption, staff must screen any client who is:

• A new applicant, or
• At recertification or Interim Report and is listed as being exempt due to Discretionary Exemption.