Beginning early January 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, or ABAWDs, may be subject to work requirements. The District of Columbia has been operating under a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) exempting SNAP clients from following federal work requirements. This waiver will expire at the end of December 2025.
ABAWDs — those SNAP clients 18–64 years old who do not meet exemptions — will soon be required to:
- work a minimum of 20 hours per week, averaging 80 hours per month; and/or
- participate in a qualifying work activity (paid, unpaid, or work for goods and services) for a minimum of 20 hours per week, averaging 80 hours per month; or
- participate in SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) training programs or new workfare volunteer programs for a minimum number of hours calculated for each participating customer by SNAP E&T.
However, certain groups, including caregivers for children under age 6, drug treatment program participants, and individuals enrolled in a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, will continue to be exempt from these requirements.
SNAP clients do not need to take action at this time to continue receiving benefits.
For more questions about ABAWD work requirements, please visit: District of Columbia Dept. of Human Services.
You may also contact D.C. Hunger Solutions at (202) 640-1088 or email us at info@dchunger.org.
Additional Resources
- D.C. Hunger Solutions ABAWD Training: https://vimeo.com/1117527078?fl=pl&fe=sh