Effective January 1, 2016 federal change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will limit the receipt of SNAP benefits to individuals who are determined to be an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents (ABAWD) to three (3) months in a 36 month period, unless the individual is participating at least 80 hours each month in qualifying work activities. For 2016, OTDA has approved a limited jurisdictional wavier for specific areas within Erie County.
An adult individual is exempt from ABAWD requirements if he/she meets one or more of the conditions listed below:
• A person under 18 years of age, or 50 years of age or older.
• An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 18 years of age.
• A caretaker of an incapacitated person.
• A pregnant woman.
• Physically or mentally unable to work 80 hours a month.
• Participating in a drug/alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program and deemed unable to work.
• A recipient or pending receipt of Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB).
• A student enrolled in any recognized school, job skills training, or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the student eligibility criteria to receive SNAP.
• An applicant for SNAP benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) jointly or in receipt of SSI.
• 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 per week).
For more information, call the SNAP Call Center at 858-7239. For additional information related to Erie County SNAP, click Here.