Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

Here's how the ABAWD exemption screening process works:

Right 1: Your caseworker must screen you for exemptions.

At every application and recertification, your caseworker is required by federal law to check if you qualify for any exemptions. You cannot be assigned countable months toward the time limit until this screening happens. During your recertification, it is important to review and learn about the work requirements with your caseworker.

Right 2: You get time to provide proof.

If your caseworker asks for verification of an exemption, you must be given at least 10 days to provide it.

Right 3: Missing hours don't always count against you.

If circumstances beyond your control prevented you from meeting work hours, tell your caseworker immediately. You may have 'good cause,' and that month won't count against your 3-month limit.

Right 4: You can ask for help.

If you need help verifying an ABAWD exemption, ask your caseworker for assistance. If your own statement is not sufficient for verification for exemptions, there are various ways that your caseworker can attempt to help you verify that you meet an exemption.

Remember: During your application or recertification interview, let your caseworker know if you have a condition or situation that may affect your ability to meet the work requirements. This helps them assess whether an exemption applies to you. 

Key Takeaways

• Your caseworker must screen you for exemptions at every application and recertification.
• You have at least 10 days to provide verification, if needed.
• Good cause can protect you if you miss hours due to circumstances beyond your control.

Are You Exempt from the ABAWD Time Limit?

If any of the following apply to you, the 3-month time limit does NOT apply. Tell your caseworker about your situation.

Exemptions

If any of these apply, you are exempt.

• Age: Under 18 or age 65 or older
• Child in Household: Living in a household with a child under age 14. You do not need to be the child's parent or guardian to be exempt.
• Pregnant: Any stage of pregnancy
• Receiving Disability Benefits: From any source. SSI, SSDI, VA disability (any percentage rating), Workers' Compensation, private disability. Verification required.
• Physically or Mentally Unfit for Employment: Limits ability to work 20 hrs/week. A person does not need to meet a specific definition of 'disabled' or to be receiving disability benefits to meet this criterion. If a chronic illness, mental health conditions, substance use disorder, or other conditions limit a person's ability to work 20 hrs/week, they may be exempt. If obvious, no documentation needed. If not obvious, may require a medical statement.
• Chronic Homelessness: Lacking a fixed and regular nighttime residence. Includes shelters (including domestic violence shelters), vehicles, outdoors, or other places not designed for regular sleeping.
• Domestic Violence Survivor: Recent violence affecting ability to work.  
• Caregiver: Caring for a child under 6 OR an incapacitated person of any age. The person does not have to live with you or be in your FNS household, as long as you are the one providing the care.
• Homeschool Parent: Teaching 30+ hours per week. Qualifies under the general work registration exemption (30+ hours of work activity).
• Age 55-64 with Multiple Barriers: Combined factors. Limited education (no diploma/GED) + no recent work history + health conditions. All three factors must be present.

Key Takeaway

• Multiple exemptions can apply - if one exemption ends, another may still protect you.

FNS has two separate sets of work-related rules. You may be subject to one, both, or neither, depending on your situation.

General Work Registration (FNS 240)

People ages 16-59 must:

• Register for work (your caseworker does this for you)
• Accept suitable job offers
• Not voluntarily quit a job without good cause if working 30 or more hours/week (or earning $217.50+/week)
• Not voluntarily reduce work hours below that threshold without good cause

You may be excused if you are:

• Working 30+ hours/week (or earning equivalent wages)
• Meeting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or unemployment work requirements
• Caring for a child under 6 or an incapacitated person
• Unable to work due to physical/mental limitations
• In an alcohol or drug treatment program
• A student at least half-time

ABAWD Time Limits (FNS 260)

Effective Dec. 1, 2025, you are subject to the 3-month time limit if ALL of the following are true:

• You are between the ages of 18 and 64
• No one under age 14 lives in your household
• You are physically and mentally able to work

Requirement: Work, volunteer, or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month (about 20 hours/week).

Time limit: Without meeting this requirement or qualifying for an exemption, benefits are limited to 3 months in a 36-month period. Current period: Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2027.

Important Distinction Note: You can be subject to one set of rules but not the other.

Exempt from general work registration but still subject to ABAWD: If you're 60-64, you don't have to register for work, but you may still need to meet the 80-hour requirement unless you have another exemption.

Subject to general work registration but exempt from ABAWD: If you're age 50 and live with a 10-year-old child, you must register for work but are exempt from the 3-month time limit.

We understand that this may be confusing.Your caseworker will explain which rules apply to you. 

How to Meet the 80-Hour Requirement

If you're not exempt, you need to work or participate in approved activities for at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week). Here's what counts:

Key Numbers

• 80 hours per month (~20 hrs/week)
• 3 months of benefits if not meeting hours
• 36-month period (Jan 2025 - Dec 2027)

Activities Table

*Job search can count for up to 25% of your hours if you're in a work program, but not on its own.

Need Help Meeting Requirements?

More Than a Job NC - Free job training, education, and work programs that count toward your 80-hour requirement.

Tips for Meeting the Requirement

• Track your hours - Keep a log of when you work, volunteer, or participate in activities
• Report your hours - Make sure your caseworker knows about all your work activities
• Combine activities - You can work 40 hours and volunteer 40 hours to reach 80 hours
• Ask about More Than a Job NC - This free state program can help you meet requirements while gaining skills

Important: Report Changes

You must report if your work hours drop below 80 per month by the 10th of the following month. Example: If your hours drop in March, report by April 10.

Key Takeaways

• 80 hours/month is the requirement - average about 20 hours per week
• Mix activities - work, volunteering, job training, and job search all count
• More Than a Job NC can help you meet requirements while building skills
• Report drops in hours by the 10th of the following month 

What If You Can't Meet the Hours? (Good Cause)

Life happens. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from meeting 80 hours in a month, tell your caseworker immediately. You may have "good cause," and that month won't count against your 3-month limit.

Good Cause Includes:

• Illness - Your own or caring for a sick family member
• Household Emergency - Eviction, utility shutoff, natural disaster
• Transportation Problems - Vehicle breakdown, no public transit, can't afford gas
• Childcare Breakdown - Your regular childcare fell through
• Court/Legal Obligations - Court appearances, mandatory appointments
• Medical Appointments - Doctor visits, mental health services, treatment
• Other Circumstances - Anything a reasonable person would consider valid

How Good Cause Works

• Tell your caseworker right away - Don't wait until your next recertification
• The month doesn't count - If good cause is approved, that month won't count toward your 3-month limit
• It's temporary - Good cause covers temporary situations, not permanent ones 

What If You've Used Your 3 Months?

If you've received 3 months of benefits without meeting the work requirement, your FNS benefits will stop. But you can regain eligibility.

How to Regain Eligibility

1. Work 80 hours in any 30-day period. This doesn't have to be a calendar month. Once you complete 80 hours, contact your caseworker to reapply.
2. Become exempt. If your situation changes (you become pregnant, start receiving disability benefits, move in with a child under 14, etc.), you're exempt and can receive benefits again.
3. Wait for the period to end. The current 36-month period ends on December 31, 2027. A new period will start Jan. 1, 2028.

Bonus Months 

If you regain eligibility by working 80 hours but then stop working, you may be eligible for 3 additional consecutive months of benefits. These are called "bonus months."

Key Rules

• You can only use bonus months once per 36-month period
• The 3 months must be consecutive (back-to-back)

• Bonus months start when you report that you're no longer meeting the work requirement