SNAP 3-month time limit: the ABAWD Work Rules

DTA must check to see if you have to meet the rules before starting the 3-month clock. Many adults do not have to meet (are exempt from) the rules.

You only have to meet these rules if DTA sends you a SNAP and Work notice that says you have to meet the ABAWD Work Rules. Check your mail and DTA Connect to see notices DTA mailed to you. The notice looks like this: 

Sample Notice

You have a right to:

• Tell DTA if you are exempt or meeting the Work Rules.
• Have DTA act on updates from you before your next SNAP payment.
• Get help from a DTA SNAP worker.
• Appeal if DTA incorrectly reduces or ends your SNAP benefits.
• Get help from legal aid. Visit the Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder.
• Fill out this form from MLRI to share your story or if you need help. Email [email protected] with questions.

If DTA says you must meet the ABAWD Work Rules, check if you are exempt. You are exempt if you have any of the below reasons.

Work or school reasons:

• Make $217.50 or more/week at work
• Get or applied for unemployment benefits
• In school at least half time

Family reasons:

• In household with child under 18
• Care for a child under 6 or a disabled person, even if they don’t live with you

Housing reasons:

• Don’t have a regular place to sleep at night
• In a shelter or couch surfing 
• Homeless or at risk of being homeless soon

Health reasons:

• Pregnant
• Have a hard time working because of a short or long term health issue that makes it hard to get or keep a job
• Get a disability benefit or payment
• MassAbility participant (formerly Mass. Rehab Commission)
• In substance use treatment program 

And, if you:

• Are a veteran 
• Were in foster care when you turned 18, and you are under 25 
• Have domestic violence concerns that impact work

If you are not exempt, meet the rules by:

• Working for pay or unpaid, and/or do a DTA training program, for 20 hours/week 
  • Visit SNAPPathtoWork.org to see information about DTA training programs
• Volunteering a maximum of 19 hours/month (number depends on how much SNAP you get)

You can:

• Call the DTA Assistance line at (877) 382-2363 
• Go to a local DTA office 
• Send a written statement: 
  • Online on DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Connect mobile app. 
    By mail: 
    DTA Document Processing Center 
    P.O.  Box 4406 
    Taunton, MA 02780-0420
• By fax: (617) 887-8765

If you are telling DTA about your income, send proof of income with your statement.