The VI DHS SNAP Program has to screen you for exemptions
before deciding if you have to meet the ABAWD Work Rules.
You can be exempt from meeting the ABAWD Work Rules if
you are: 
Exempt from the general work requirements, except
when the exemption is solely due to age.
Younger than age 18, or age 65 or older. 
Living with a child under age 14 in the SNAP household. 
Pregnant.
Are “An Indian”, An Urban Indian” or “A California Indian”. 
Experiencing a physical or mental barrier to
employment that lasts for at least 30 days and is
certified by a licensed physician or certified
psychologist.
Able-Bodied Adults Without
Dependents
WORK RULES      What YOU need to know
If you are between the ages of 18 through (and including)
age 64, and are able to work, you might need to meet the
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work
Rules to get SNAP for more than 3 months. If you have to
meet these rules, you must meet them during the current
time limit, which is March 1, 2026 until February 28, 2029.
If you have an open SNAP case with us, you can tell us if you
meet any of these exemptions by calling your local VI DHS
SNAP location at (340) 772-7100, ext. 7159 or 7166 (STX), 
(340) 774-0930 ext. 4303 (STT), ext. 4275 (STJ), 
or (340) 774-2399 (STT).
The VI DHS SNAP Program will send
you a Consolidated Work Notice telling
you if and when you have to meet the
rules. For more information, see
www.dhs.vi.gov. If the VI DHS SNAP
Program tells you that you must meet
the ABAWD Work Rules, you must:
 
1. Work 80 hours a month (average
20 hours per week). This work can
be paid, unpaid, for goods or
services/ in kind (for something
other than money), or in the form
of volunteering.
2.Participate in a qualifying work
program for 80 hours a month
(average 20 hours per week). 
3.Combine work and participation in
a qualifying work program, for
example 40 hours of work alongside
40 hours in the program.
Remember: If you earn more than
$217.50/week (even if that is less than 20
hours of work), tell us! If you do, you are
exempt from the ABAWD Work Rules.
How to meet the
ABAWD Work
Rules by
Working
How to meet the
ABAWD Work
Rules through an
E&T Activity
How to meet the
ABAWD Work
Rules by
Volunteering
Already
participating in
an E&T Activity or
Volunteering? 
You can tell us you are working by: 
• Speaking to us in person at your local VI DHS SNAP office
• Sending proof by email to: certoffice.stx@dhs.vi.gov if you are located
on STX or certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov if you are located on STT/STJ 
• Calling (340) 772-7100 ext. 7159 or 7166 (STX) or (340) 774-0930 ext.
4303 (STT), ext. 4275 (STJ), or (340) 774-2399 (STT) and ask to speak to
the Eligibility Specialist assigned to your case.
You can find your own non-profit or public volunteer site in your
community, such as at a public library or a food pantry. If you meet the
rules by volunteering, you can verify this by completing the SNAP
ABAWD/Employment & Training (E&T) Participation & Activity
Verification Form which is to be submitted at each reporting period. 
If you need help, please call (340) 772-7100 ext. 7159 or 7166 (STX) or 
(340) 774-0930 ext. 4303 (STT), ext. 4275 (STJ), or (340) 774-2399 (STT)
so that we can discuss the next steps.
You can meet the rules by completing the Work
Registration/Employment & Training Participation form and express
your interest in the SNAP E&T Program. Keep in mind that SNAP E&T
fulfills less than half of the ABAWD work requirement; the rest must
come from paid work, volunteer activities, or in-kind work.
For more information, visit www.dhs.vi.gov or call (340) 772-7100 ext.
7159 or 7166 (STX) or (340) 774-0930 ext. 4303 (STT), ext. 4275 (STJ), 
or (340) 774-2399 (STT)
Please let us know as soon as possible! If you are volunteering at a
public or nonprofit organization, ask your supervisor to help you
complete the SNAP ABAWD/Employment & Training (E&T)
Participation & Activity Verification Form. This will help us verify that
you are meeting the ABAWD Work Rules.
If you are in an employment or training program that the VI DHS SNAP
Program doesn't know about, ask your training provider to assist you in
submitting the form as well.
For questions about the ABAWD Work Rules, call (340) 772-7100 ext.
7159 or 7166 (STX) or (340) 774-0930 ext. 4303 (STT), ext. 4275 (STJ), 
or (340) 774-2399 (STT)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. We must not discriminate due to race,
color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability,
age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.