OLGT 2023-59: SNAP: Preparing for Return of ABAWD Work Rules (Phase One)

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Able-bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Rules were suspended on April 1, 2020. Clients who would have otherwise been required to meet the rules were given the exemption: ABAWD Work Rules Suspended (COVID-19). With the end of the public health emergency, ABAWD Work Rules are no longer suspended. The temporary exemption ABAWD Work Rules Suspended (COVID-19) is being removed from BEACON as an exemption. The anticipated effective date for system enhancements is August 18, 2023.

DTA recently received waiver approval from Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to allow residents of a waived area not meeting any other exemptions to be exempt from the ABAWD work rules. This waiver includes 13 counties and 9 cities and towns in Massachusetts with high unemployment rates. BEACON will apply Resident of a Waived Area as an exemption to household members not meeting other exemptions and are residing in a waived area.