SNAP for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) in Colorado

If you receive SNAP or need SNAP assistance and don’t have children at home, you may have heard about “work requirements” or “time limits” and worried about eligibility or losing your food benefits. Learn what these rules mean, who is exempt (many people are), and where to turn for food support if your benefits are delayed, denied, or end.

Explore our other resources and food programs in the meantime.

What Is an ABAWD?

ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. You are generally considered an ABAWD if all of the following apply to you:

• You are an adult within the SNAP work-requirement age range (as of 2025–2026, ages 18–64)
• You are considered physically and mentally able to work
• You do not live with and care for a dependent child under age 14

If you fall into this category, a special set of SNAP rules called work requirements or time limits may apply to you. If you don’t fall into this category, or if you qualify for an exemption, these rules do not limit your benefits.

What Is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that helps low-income households buy food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card each month and can be used like a debit card at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets. SNAP eligibility is based on income, household size, and certain expenses.

What Are SNAP Work Requirements for ABAWDs?

Under federal SNAP rules, an ABAWD can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year (36-month) period, unless they meet a work requirement OR qualify for an exemption. After those 3 months, benefits stop even if your income is very low, until you meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption.

How to Meet the Work Requirement

To keep receiving SNAP beyond the 3-month limit, an ABAWD must do at least one of the following, totaling at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week):

• Work at least 80 hours per month—this can be paid work, work in exchange for goods or services, or unpaid volunteer work
• Participate in a work or training program for at least 80 hours per month, such as Employment First or a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program
• Participate in “workfare” at an approved site for your assigned number of hours (your monthly SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage)
• Do a combination of work and program hours that add up to at least 80 hours per month

Can you get food stamps without a job? 

Yes, but if you’re an ABAWD, you’re only eligible for 3 months in a 3-year period, unless you qualify for an exemption or meet the 80-hour requirement through volunteering or a work program. Volunteer hours with a verified nonprofit count toward the requirement, which is an option many people don’t realize they have.

Who Is Exempt From SNAP Work Requirements?

This is the most important section for many people. If you qualify for an exemption, the 3-month time limit and the 80-hour work requirement do not apply to you at all. Many people who receive a work-requirement notice actually qualify for one of these exemptions.

You may be exempt from SNAP work requirements if you:

• Are already working at least 30 hours a week, or earning at least the weekly equivalent of 30 hours at minimum wage
• Are pregnant
• Care for a child under age 14 in your home
• Care for someone who is sick, elderly, or has a disability
• Are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation (including disability, a history of being unable to maintain employment, experiencing domestic violence, or experiencing homelessness)
• Are studying at least half-time in a school, college, or training program
• Meet the work requirements of another program, such as Colorado Works (TANF)
• Are receiving or have applied for unemployment benefits
•  Are participating in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program
•  Identify as an Indian (Indigenous), Urban Indian, or California Indian

New SNAP Work Requirements

SNAP work requirements changed under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025. These changes expanded who is subject to the rules. Because implementation is happening on a rolling basis and is administered at the county level, dates and details below should be confirmed with your county office before making any decisions.

Key Changes as of 2025–2026

• Age range expanded to 18–64. The work requirements previously applied to adults ages 18–54. As of the 2025 law, they now apply up to age 64. This means many adults ages 55–64, who were previously exempt, may now be subject to the rules.
• Caregiver exemption narrowed. Previously, caring for a dependent child under 18 made you exempt. Now, the child must be under 14 for the caregiver exemption to apply.
• Some exemptions removed. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth previously had automatic exemptions under earlier rules. Under the 2025 law, these automatic exemptions were removed, though individuals in these groups may still qualify under other exemption categories (such as a physical or mental limitation).

When the rules take effect: Colorado is phasing in these requirements. Reporting indicates that adults newly subject to the rules must demonstrate compliance starting around March 1, 2026, though the rules may apply at your next application or recertification. Confirm your specific timeline with your county human services office.

A note on ages 60–64: If you are between 60 and 64, you may be exempt from SNAP’s general work requirements but still subject to the ABAWD time limit. Contact your county or Community Food Share if you’re in this age range and unsure how the rules apply to you.

SNAP Income Limits

Even if you meet a work requirement or exemption, you must still fall within SNAP income limits to be eligible. SNAP eligibility is based on household size and gross monthly income (income before taxes), which generally must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What Should I Do If I’m an ABAWD?

If you are classified as an ABAWD, you will receive a notice from your county. Here’s how to protect your benefits:

• Check whether you qualify for an exemption. Review the exemptions list above. Many people qualify. If you do, report it to your county right away.
• If you meet the work requirement, report it. Contact your county and provide verification, such as pay stubs, a letter from your employer with your hours and pay, self-employment tax records, or a signed form documenting volunteer hours.
• Submit documentation promptly. You can submit verification through Colorado PEAK or directly to your county human services office.
• Ask for help if you’re unsure. If you have questions about whether you qualify for an exemption or how to document your hours, Community Food Share can help you navigate the process.

Food Support If Your Benefits End, Are Delayed, or You’re Between Options

Work requirements and time limits mean some people lose SNAP benefits or face gaps while sorting out their eligibility. If that’s your situation—or if you’re waiting on an application, trying to meet a work requirement, or simply need extra help—you don’t have to go without food. Community Food Share is here for you.

Community Food Share’s Food Programs

Feeding Families (Onsite Pantry): Our on-site food pantry in Louisville lets you select fresh produce, dairy, grains, and other staples. Open Wednesdays 9 AM–3 PM, Thursdays 12–6 PM, and Fridays 9 AM–3 PM, with weekly visits available. No SNAP approval required.

Mobile Pantries: If transportation, work schedules, or other barriers make it hard to reach a pantry, our mobile food pantries bring fresh food to neighborhoods throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties.

Volunteer opportunities that may count toward your hours: Because volunteer work with a verified nonprofit can count toward the 80-hour ABAWD work requirement, volunteering may help you both give back and maintain your benefits. Ask us about opportunities and documentation.

Find Food Near You

Use Community Food Share’s Food Finder Map to search for food pantries, mobile pantries, and other resources by location, hours, and service type throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The map can be searched in English or Spanish.

How to Apply for SNAP

There are several ways to apply for SNAP in Colorado:

1. Schedule an appointment with Community Food Share (Recommended): Our bilingual Enrollment Coordinators offer free, one-on-one SNAP application assistance by phone or in person, including help understanding work requirements and exemptions. Email SNAP@communityfoodshare.org to schedule an appointment, or schedule one online.
2. Apply online via Colorado PEAK: Visit Colorado PEAK to apply, check your status, upload documents, and manage your benefits.
3. Submit a paper application: Applications are available in English, Spanish, and large-print format. Submit by mail, fax, or in person at your county human services office.

We can help you apply and stay covered: Community Food Share’s bilingual team offers free SNAP application assistance across the state of Colorado. We can help you check your eligibility, understand exemptions, document work or volunteer hours, and connect you with food in the meantime. Contact SNAP@communityfoodshare.org or call (303) 652-3663.