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Work Requirement

Some FoodShare members must meet a work requirement to maintain FoodShare eligibility. This work requirement is part of the "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents" policy. It is a federally-mandated policy within the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or FoodShare program. The following is a brief summary of the work requirement for ABAWDs. It is not a comprehensive description. For specific questions on ABAWD policy, please contact an eligibility worker through your Income Maintenance Consortium.

ABAWD Definition 

An ABAWD is a FoodShare member who meets all of the following conditions (effective 11/1/2025):

  • Is able to work; 
  • Is not pregnant;
  • Is between the age of 18 and 64;
  • Is not living with a child under age 14 who is part of the same FoodShare household;
  • Is not exempt

Time-Limited Benefits

A FoodShare member who is subject to the work requirement under the ABAWD policy (and does not have an exemption), can continue to receive FoodShare benefits, but is limited to only receiving benefits for three months without meeting the work participation requirement during a 36-month period. 


Work Requirements

If you are subject to the FoodShare Work Requirement, you can meet this requirement one of the following ways:

  • Working at least 80 hours per month;
  • Taking part in an allowable work program at least 80 hours a month;
  • Both working and taking part in an allowable work program for a total of at least 80 hours per month; or
  • Completing a Workfare FSET work experience activity. 

You can enroll in the FSET program as one way to meet your work requirements and maintain your FoodShare eligibility.  If you enroll and participate in the FSET program, FSET can provide assistance with job search, training options as well as support services including gas cards, bus passes, and work-related clothing.

Work Includes

  • Work in exchange for money;
  • Work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind);
  • Unpaid work (i.e. volunteer work, community service, etc.)
  • Self-employment at any wage; or
  • Any combination of the above. 

Allowable Work Programs
  • Children First
  • FSET
  • Programs under Section 236 of the Trad Act of 1974 (such as the dislocated worker program)
  • Refugee Cash Assistance or Refugee Employment & Training Programs
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
  • Wisconsin Works (W-2)



FSET is always a voluntary program. If you are not meeting the FoodShare Work Requirement, you are automatically referred to FSET. FSET has many options for you to work towards your employment goals, while helping you meet the work requirement. 

ABAWD Exemption Reasons

Many recipients who meet the ABAWD definition can be exempt from the work requirement. The following are the allowable exemptions for the ABAWD work requirement:

Unable to work:

  • *Receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits from the government or a private source; or
  • *Mentally or physically unable to work, as determined by the IM agency, health care professionals, or social worker.
  • *Experiencing chronic homelessness. A person is chronically homeless if they currently lack a fixed, regular nighttime residence in the next 30 days. This includes people who are in a temporary housing situation such as transitional living arrangements(in a temporary housing situation, such as transitional living arrangements and shelters, and includes staying temporarily in another person's residence (up to 90 days).
  • *A tribal member

Exempt under the general Food Share Work Rules including

  • *Primary caretaker of a child under age six (6).
  • *Primary caretaker of a person who can't take care of themselves.
  • *Has applied for or is receiving unemployment compensation;
  • *Regularly participating in an alcohol or other drug addiction (AODA) treatment or rehabilitation program (AA or other support groups are not treatment or rehabilitation programs).
  • *A person who is enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education. A GED/HSED program does not qualify. 
  • *Working 30 hours per week or earning wages equivalent of 30 hours or more per week at the federal minimum wage (i.e. $217.50 or more per week).
  • *Complying with the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program requirements.

​Only a FoodShare eligibility worker can determine and approve an exemption.  If you believe you meet one of the exemptions reasons listed, you can call your IM Consortium's Call Center , or report a change through ACCESS  or send in by mail or by fax to your IM agency.

FSET Activities

FSET has many activities to support your employment goal(s) and help you meet the work requirement. 

Job Search cannot be your only FSET activity to meet the 80-hour per month work requirement. Job Search activity can only make up less than half of your 80 monthly hours (so no more than 39 of the 80 monthly hours). 

Individuals who need to meet the work requirement need to complete 80 hours of activity each month, unless they are doing Workfare work experience. 

Activities in FSET that count towards the 80 hours include:

  • Job Search & Job Search Skills (39 hours or less). This includes providing job leads,  helping with resume development and application processing, interview skills and connection to Employer Partners.
  • Job Skills Training & Certificate programs including CDL, CNA, and other short-term trainings and certifications.
  • Degreed programs (2 years or less). FSET cannot fund financial-aid eligible programs, but can support individuals in those programs.
  • GED/HSED
  • Literacy skills including English-as-a-Second-Language and basic literacy skills.
  • Drivers's Education including driver's permit and full driver's license.
  • Career Planning including informal and formal career and interest assessments.
  • Workshops and Job Readiness activities
  • Working

​

Workfare

Workfare is an unpaid FSET work experience activity. The required monthly hours for Workfare are calculated by dividing your total FoodShare monthly benefits by $7.25. 

So, if a person receives $250 in FoodShare a month, the work requirement can be met by completing only 34 hours of Workfare in a month ($250 divided by $7.25). 

A work experience placement can be made at a government or non-profit agency. The work experience through Workfare provides individuals with basic work skills, specific job skill development and a quality local reference. 

We have worksites developed in every county in our nine-county region offering a variety of experiences including clerical, custodian, maintenance and retail settings.

Individuals in FSET can choose to do either Workfare or the 80 hours of other activities in the program. Individuals can switch between workfare and other activities while in FS

Good Cause

Tell your worker if you have Good Cause (allowable) Reasons for missing FSET activity including:

  • Illness
  • Illness of another household member serious enough to require your presence
  • Unavailability of transportation
  • Unanticipated emergency
  • Employment or work program placement is no longer suitable if termination from a job or work program was outside of your control.
  • Disenrolled and re-enrolled in FSET in the same month