245.15 Verification Requirements SR 18-26 Dated 09/18

Require third-party documentation to establish that an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) meets ABAWD work requirement criteria, "cure" criteria, or at least one exemption criteria.

Exception: A statement from the child’s parent or individual exercising parental control is sufficient to document the child’s intent to return home unless there is conflicting evidence.

Acceptable third-party documentation includes signed and currently dated third-party written statements or District Office verbal contact with the third party which confirms that the individual meets the appropriate ABAWD work requirement or exemption criteria. Self-employed individuals and individuals who are unpaid or work for in-kind services must document the actual number of hours worked and cannot substitute earnings or dollar value of work performed as equal to an hourly figure based on the federal minimum wage.

Types of Proof that Are Needed for ABAWD Work Requirements or ABAWD "Cure" Requirements

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hours of work—work can be for pay, for goods or services (like trading work for rent payment, also known as in-kind services), or as a volunteer; or

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participation in an approved work training program, such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training or a training program at a local community college. Other training programs may also be allowable but must be approved as meeting ABAWD work requirements by the District Office Supervisor.

Types of Proof that Are Needed for ABAWD Exemption Criteria

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work registration exemptions (see PART  809, EXEMPTIONS FROM FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (FSP) WORK REQUIREMENTS, for more information):

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hours of employment;

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inability to work;

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disability of an adult household member who requires the ABAWD’s care;

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registration for work with NH Employment Security (NHES) and entitlement to NHES benefits;

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student status; or

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regular participation in a supervised alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation program.

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membership in a household that includes a child under age 18, regardless of relationship to or responsibility for the minor;

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age of ABAWD or dependents;

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intent of child to return to the home if temporarily absent;

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pregnancy; or

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receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources, including:

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receipt of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) disability compensation, regardless of the individual's disability rating assigned by the VA.

 

References: He-W 701.01; He-W 724.01(c)-(d); 7 CFR 273.24(c); 7 USC 2015(o)