ABAWD UPDATE

Beginning January 1, 2016, individuals in the Anchorage area who were between the ages of 18 and 49, did not have a child in their home, and were able to work became subject to the Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule. This rule states that an individual who is subject the ABAWD rule could only receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Food Stamps) for 3 months in a 3 year period. The Division was notified on May 31, 2016 that the federal Food and Nutrition Service approved a waiver exempting the entire state from the ABAWD rule effective June 1, 2016. Individuals who lost SNAP eligibility in April or May because of this rule are encouraged to reapply.