Are there work rules for childless adults ages 18 to 50 years?

There are no mandatory community service/work requirements for persons age 18 to 49 under current law. The work rule requirements were suspended under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of April 2009 and recently extended through September 30, 2011 due to the recession.

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) have historically been required to a) register for FSET, b) do job search and c) work 20 hours a week or doing unpaid community service hours based on the amount of SNAP/food stamp benefits they received. Unpaid work was known as the "work rule" and was imposed on ABAWD individuals after receiving three months of benefits. While Massachusetts got waivers to exempt ABAWDs in some geographic areas with high unemployment, ARRA suspended the rule nationwide in April of 2009 as the economy worsened. An ABAWD household cannot be denied or disqualified for failure to meet the work program rules. It is possible this policy will continue after September of 2011. Check with an advocate for updates throughout 2011.

FSET and Job Search

Even though the work rules for able-bodied adults without dependents are suspended, this polulation is still required to comply with the work registration and work search (FSET) rules. 106 C.M.R. § 362.310(D)(5), (E)(5). See Who must register for work and do job search, and who's exempt?

Semi-annual reporting

Because of the suspension of the ABAWD work rules, these individuals should be put on semi-annual reporting if they have any earned or unearned income, a history of income (within the past five months) or are homeless. This means less reporting of changes during the six month period. If the work rule were in effect, ABAWDs would likely be on change reporting. 106 C.M.R. § 366.110(C)(1)(d). See What is semi-annual reporting?

Additional Policy Guidance on ABAWD Work Rules