Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules - Section 999-2
SNAP Rule #234A – ABAWD Geographic Exemptions
Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations provide that certain able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to a maximum of three months of benefits over a 36-month period, unless they work 20 hours or more per week (averaged monthly) or participate in and comply with requirements of a work program. Individuals who reside in certain geographic areas can qualify for an exception to this time limit under 7 C.F.R. § 273.24(f).
The Department’s request to the U.S.D.A. – Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to waive these work requirements for certain ABAWDs residing in geographic areas that have unemployment rates at or above 10% or have insufficient jobs for recipients residing in those areas was approved on September 17, 2024. The geographic areas include 213 qualifying cities, towns, unorganized territories, townships, and reservations that qualify individually or as part of a federally defined labor market area. With the U.S.D.A. – FNS’ waiver approval and the adoption of this rule, ABAWDs residing in those areas will no longer have to meet the work requirements to receive SNAP effective retroactive to October 1, 2024.
The Department determined it necessary to make a non-substantial change to the proposed rule after the public comment period ended and modified Section 999-2 by adding the following geographic areas that qualify for an exception to the ABAWD work requirements as approved by the U.S.D.A. - FNS:
- Winterville
- Woodville
Retroactive rulemaking is permissible under 22 M.R.S. § 42(8)(C) as this update provides a benefit to SNAP recipients who meet the ABAWD definition and does not adversely impact applicants, participants, beneficiaries, or providers.
This rule will not have an adverse impact on municipalities or small businesses.
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8)(C)
Effective Date: November 17, 2024
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Evan Denno, SNAP Program Manager
Office for Family Independence
Department of Health & Human Services
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 446-3201/ Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Adopted
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
Effective date:
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