The following rules apply to ABAWD time limits:

1. The 36-month rolling calendar begins for an individual with the first ABAWD month within the 36-month look back period. The 36-month rolling calendar progresses with each passing month and continues uninterrupted even while the individual is not participating.

2. The three initial months do not need to be consecutive.

3. The extended months must be consecutive, only apply in particular circumstances, and can only be used once in the three-month period.

4. Prorated months do not count as an ABAWD month.

5. Any month of participation in which an individual is exempt from ABAWD provisions due to either a personal exemption or a waiver provision does not count toward the individual’s three-month participation limit.

6. Months in which an individual is disqualified for any reason are not counted as ABAWD months for that individual.

7. For individuals regaining an ABAWD exemption:

   1. For individuals regaining eligibility by:

      • Working 80 hours or more in a 30-day consecutive period.

      • Participating in a work program for 80 hours or more in a 30-day consecutive period.

      • Combining hours worked and hours participating in a work program 80 hours or more in a 30-day consecutive period.

   2. For a person turning 55, the exemption begins on the first of the month in which the participant A person who is eligible for benefits under SNAP, even if that person is not currently receiving benefits because the amount is too low, or the person is under a sanction or disqualification. turns 55.

   3. Becomes exempt.

8. Participants are exempt from time limits by participating in a SNAP E&T qualifying activity or by meeting the work requirements (or any combination thereof).

9. When the ABAWD period has expired an Advance Notice of Closure will be automatically sent from the integrated eligibility system.

    

1. Screen each ABAWD applicant An individual who submits an application for assistance under the SNAP program./participant for ABAWD exemptions. If an individual is Work Registration The act of signing the application or recertification form attesting to work registration requirements. Exempt (WR policy) they are also ABAWD exempt. All exemptions must be verified and narrated. ABAWD status must also be evaluated at application Filing a signed Application for Assistance via paper application or through the self-service portal of the eligibility system to establish eligibility and assign a review period. and application for review Filing a signed Application for Review via paper review form or through the self-service portal of the eligibility system for SNAP eligibility with the human service zone to determine continuing eligibility and establish a new review period..

   Note:If an eligibility worker has reason to believe an applicant or new household member might have received SNAP benefits in another State, the other State must be contacted to confirm the closure date and number of ABAWD months used. The only exception to this requirement is if the individual has a hard copy verification Third-party information or documentation used to establish the accuracy of statements. from the other state confirming the closure date and ABAWD months used.

2. North Dakota will only count ABAWD months from another State if the months were counted or should have been counted based on the other State’s regulations.

3. ABAWD status must be documented in narratives at application, application for review, and when status changes. The narrative must state which exemption was claimed and verified. The narrative must also indicate ABAWD policy has been explained to non-exempt individuals.