SNAP benefits are another name for Food Stamps.

ABAWD stands for “Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents.” If you get SNAP and DHHR says you are an “ABAWD” it means you:

• Are between the ages of 18-52;
• Do not have a child or an older or disabled person you care for;
• Are someone that DHHR believes to be “fit to work”; and
• Live where DHHR believes there are jobs available that you can get.  As of October 1, 2022, all counties in West Virginia have ABAWD requirements.

If DHHR says that you are an ABAWD, to keep your SNAP benefits you will have to:

• get a job, or
• show that you are “exempt” from the work requirement, or
• enroll with SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Program.

If you do not take one of these steps, then you will only get food stamps for 3 months in a three year period.

If you are not working but you are looking for work, you can only get SNAP Food Stamps for 3 months within a 3-year period.

You need to work or take part in a work program for at least 20 hours a week.

You do not need to work 20 hours a week to get Food Stamps as an ABAWD if:

1. A doctor gives a statement to DHHR saying you are mentally or physically “unfit” for work;
2. You are pregnant;
3. You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program, if that program prohibits employment;
4. You are homeless;
5. You get unemployment compensation;
6. You get disability benefits from the government or an employer;
7. You have children who are not old enough for school;
8. You get SNAP benefits with someone under the age of 18;
9. You are responsible for the care of a disabled adult;
10. You are at least a half time student, and follow SNAP rules; or
11. You are 24 years old or younger and were in foster care when you turned 18.

If you can only get in 5-10 hours of work, DHHR will send you to the SNAP Employment and Training (E & T) program. SNAP E&T is a voluntary program that you must enroll into. If you choose to take part, you can meet your 20-hour per week work requirement.

You should contact DHHR and ask to be referred to the Employment and Training (E & T) program in your county. If you enroll in and take part of, the Employment and Training program will count as a work program. The Employment and Training Program will meet the work requirement for SNAP.

The E&T program also allows you to do community service for a non-profit, charity, or religious charity to count for your SNAP work requirement. To have it count, you must have someone from the non-profit, charity, or religious charity sign that you do 20 hours of community service a week.

If you have any other questions, you may call the DHHR Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 or your local DHHR office to report that you are exempt on the list above. You can also call them to ask for a referral to the SNAP Employment and Training program.

You can contact 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or going online to find food pantries in your area.