Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents
Federal work requirements
Federal rules require certain people who receive Basic Food aid to meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits. The requirements affect people identified as able-bodied adults without dependents.
In Washington, these recipients must work or participate in work-related activities if they are not working at least 80 per month unless they have an exception to the ABAWD three-month time limit.
Who is included in this set of demographics?
As outlined in WAC 388-444-0030, people identified as able-bodied adults without dependents are:
- Ages 18 through 64
- Able to work and have no physical or mental disabilities, injuries or health issues that prevent them from working
- Not receiving any food benefits for children younger than age 14 in their household
- Not reporting any exemptions and are not identified as an exempt work registrant (more information under exemptions below)
What are the requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents?
If you meet the above criteria, you will receive only three months of Basic Food benefits unless you do one or more of the following:
- Work an average of 80 hours per month:
- In exchange for money
- In exchange for goods or services (in-kind work)
- As a volunteer at a local nonprofit
- Participate in an approved work program and meet its requirements
- Combine the above activities for a total of 80 hours per month
- Participate in a contracted, unpaid work program called Workfare.
- The number of Workfare hours needed to satisfy participation requirements is based on the household’s benefit amount divided by local minimum wage.
- Workfare hours are not combined with work or work program hours.
What areas in Washington state must meet these requirements?
Effective Feb. 1, 2026, people who do not meet the participation requirements listed in the previous section are subject to the time limit rules in all areas of Washington state.
Can people be exempt from this requirement?
Some people who receive Basic Food benefits are exempt from the work requirements listed above. The exemption rules can be found in WAC 388-444-0035 and 388-444-0010. In general, you are exempt from these requirements if you are:
- Living in an exempt area (As of Feb. 1, 2026, no areas are exempt.)
- Younger than age 18 or older than age 65
- An American Indian, California Indian or Alaska Native with reported Tribal affiliation
- Determined to be physically or mentally unable to work:
- Unable to work at least 20 hours a week on average
- Receiving Labor & Industries, veteran or private disability insurance
- Caring for a person who is incapacitated
- Receiving food benefits in the same assistance unit as a child younger than age 14
- Applying for or receiving unemployment benefits
- Participating in a substance use disorder treatment program
- A student in school at least half time (A student enrolled in higher education must meet the requirements under WAC 388-482-0005 to be eligible for Basic Food.)
More information can be found in the Eligibility A-Z Manual under Basic Food Work Requirements — ABAWD.
For questions about work requirements, the Basic Food Employment and Training program or Workfare:
- Visit your local Community Services Office
- Contact the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233