602-1 F.     WORK REQUIREMENTS

1. The next several sections provide program rules and guidance relating to SNAP work requirements including:

• A description of the work requirements
• A list of individuals who are exempt from all work requirements.
• Special Provisions for adults subject to Alaska Temporary Assistance Program  work requirements
• Employment & Training Program requirements
• Voluntary job quit and reduction of work hours policy, good cause provisions, and a definition of suitable employment
• Disqualification procedures

Most adults in a SNAP household must comply with SNAP work requirements, unless the adult qualifies for an exemption.  Excluded household members, defined at MS 605-2B, are not required to comply with work requirements.

There are three categories of SNAP work requirements:

1. Basic Work Requirements

The basic work requirements require the adult to:

• Provide DPADivision of Public Assistance with employment status and job availability information
• Accept an offer of employment
• Stay employed
• Not reduce work hours

Adults who are required to comply with the basic work requirements may volunteer to participate in the Employment & Training Program.

2. Employment & Training Program Participation

Voluntary Employment & Training Program

SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients who are age 16 and over may participate in the E&T Program.  The E&T Program helps individuals find work, offers job referrals, and provides supportive service payments to help them with costs incurred during their assigned work activities.  

The current E&TEmployment and Training Program providers in Alaska are the Downtown Soup Kitchen, Hope Center, Goodwill, and Covenant House.

Volunteers are not disqualified for failure to comply with E&T Program requirements.

3. ABAWDAble-bodied Adult Without Dependents

ABAWDAble-bodied Adult Without Dependents's are able bodied adults age 18 through 52* without dependent children under age 18 in

their SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program household. Program rules limit the number of months an ABAWD can receive SNAP

benefits to three months in three years unless they are working or otherwise meeting the ABAWD

work requirement. Please see MS 602-1L for more information.

*Note: The age requirements are 18 through 54 effective 10/01/24.

To meet the ABAWD work requirement, a person must:

1. Work an average of at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. See MS 600-2 for the definition of "work."
2. participate in an approved work program for an average of at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. Approved programs include:

• WIOA - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 programs;
• Programs operated by the State or other political subdivisions of the State, including Native Corporations and tribal organizations that meet the standards of an employment and training program.
• Programs operated under the SNAP Employment and Training Program (E&T ), other than job search activities or job search training;
• Programs under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (e.g. Job Corps, AmeriCorps, and AmeriCorps VISTA);

3. Volunteer at a community service site an average of at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.  

SNAP Work Rules Screening Flow Chart