Who is exempt from ABAWD requirements?

 If you meet at least one of the exemptions listed below, you do not have to follow the ABAWD requirements.  The agency must be made aware of the exemption and in some instances, verification may be required. 

• People under 18 years old or 65 years old or older
• Adults in a SNAP household that contains a child under 14 years old
• People who are employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage times 30 (currently $217.50/wk)
• Pregnant individuals
• People responsible for the care of an incapacitated person
• People physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours/month *
• Regular participants in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
• Recipients of a disability benefit from a public or private source
• Recipients of or applicants for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• Students enrolled in any recognized school, job skills training or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the SNAP student eligibility criteria
• Indians, Urban Indians, California Indians and/or other Indians who are eligible for Indian Health Services

 *See ‘Forms’ section of site to print forms to verify this exemption.

How do non-exempt people keep their SNAP benefits?

 All non-exempt individuals must do one of the following (or a combination) each month to continue to receive SNAP.  You must verify to the agency each month that you have met the criteria.

• Paid employment
• Volunteer for a community agency for at least a number of hours calculated by dividing your SNAP grant by NYS minimum wage.
• In-Kind work (ex:  babysitting or housework in exchange for reduced rent) for at least 80 hours per month
• Community Work Experience (set up through Jefferson County Department of Employment and Training) for at least a number of hours calculated by dividing your SNAP grant by NYS minimum wage.
• Participate in an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs for at least 80 hours per month
• Participate in a program under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Act, which may include job search, job readiness, occupational skills training and education activities for at least 80 hours per month.

If you have questions about what activity may count or how to get started, please contact Ashley LaMarche at Jefferson County Department of Employment and Training at (315) 786-3675.

ABAWD Forms

 Please have this form completed by your health care provider and submit to DSS if you are unable to work for at least 80 hours per month.

•  ABAWD Medical Statement

 Below are links to the forms that can be used to verify your monthly participation in ABAWD activities.  These forms must be submitted to DSS or DET by the end of each month.

• Monthly WIOA Job Search Activity Record (fillable)
• Monthly WIOA Job Search Activity Record (printable)
• Monthly ABAWD Education & Training Participation Record
• Monthly ABAWD Volunteer Participation Record

How to submit these forms:

 Email to:

Attendance sheets: JeffABAWD@dfa.state.ny.us

Medical form: Jeffteam2@dfa.state.ny.us

Drop off or Mail to:

DET (1222 Coffeen Street, Watertown)

or

DSS (250 Arsenal Street, Watertown)

Upload using NYDocSubmit (Find it in the app store on a smart device)

Fax to: (315) 785-3346