How many volunteer hours does ABAWD actually require?

The federal default is 80 hours per month, but 7 states (NY, ME, MA, VT, PA, VA, GA) use the SNAP workfare formula for general nonprofit volunteering, which can drop the requirement to as few as 10 hours in New York City. Three more (MI, SD, AR) offer the lower formula only at state-registered workfare sites.

Why the hours number matters

Under 7 CFR §273.24, an ABAWD who doesn't meet the work requirement for 3 months in any 36-month period loses SNAP benefits until they re-establish eligibility. Knowing the actual hours threshold, and whether you're exempt, is the difference between keeping and losing benefits.

These figures are estimates. Always confirm the exact work requirement with your local benefits administrator before you rely on them.

Eligibility check (federal)

Many people aren't subject to ABAWD at all. Run this 30-second check before relying on the hours number below.

Are you between ages 18 and 64?

OBBBA (2025) expanded ABAWD from 1854 to 1864. People outside that range aren't subject to the work requirement.

Do any of these apply?

Check any that are true. Each is a federal exemption under 7 CFR §273.24(b).

I'm pregnantPregnant individuals are categorically exempt from ABAWD under 7 CFR §273.24(b).
I'm responsible for a child under age 6 in my householdFederal exemption for caretakers of a child under 6 or an incapacitated person.
I'm caring for an incapacitated family memberSame federal exemption as caring for a young child.
I have a physical or mental condition that limits my ability to workMedical unfitness is a federal exemption — written verification may be requested.
I'm already working 30+ hours/week (or earning the equivalent)If you already meet the work requirement, ABAWD volunteer hours aren't required.
I'm enrolled at least half-time in school or trainingHalf-time-or-more students are exempt; verify the program qualifies.
I'm in a substance use disorder treatment programTreatment-program participants are federally exempt.

80hours / month

This state follows the federal ABAWD baseline of 80 hours per month (or 20 hours per week) — uniform across the 44 jurisdictions that have not adopted the workfare formula for general nonprofit volunteering.

Enforcing with partial geographic waivers

Administered at the county level, implementation varies. View waiver detail

Seven counties waived November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026: Colusa, Imperial, Tulare, Alpine, Merced, Monterey, and Plumas. All other 51 counties fully enforced starting June 1, 2026 (statewide waiver ended November 1, 2025; state chose June 1, 2026 as implementation date using a fixed 36-month clock beginning January 1, 2026).

Data current as of 2026-06-22. Next scheduled review: 2027-01-15.

SNAP allotments come from USDA FNS (FY2026). Minimum wage figures from each state's labor department. Exemption checks reflect the federal 7 CFR §273.24(b) list, some states add categories beyond this.

80 hours sounds like a part-time job. 10 hours sounds like a Saturday.

Federal baseline · 80 hrs/month

Applies in 44 jurisdictions (including MI, SD, AR for general nonprofit volunteering). The standard 20-hours-a-week ABAWD work requirement.

Workfare-formula states · varies

NY, ME, MA, VT, PA, VA, GA compute hours as SNAP allotment ÷ state min wage for any nonprofit volunteering. NY is the only one with sub-state regional rates (NYC/LI $17 vs upstate $15.50).

Upper bound caveat

Recipients with reported income receive smaller allotments and therefore owe fewer hours. Numbers shown are the max-allotment ceiling.

Start volunteering How SNAP hour certification works