Changes are on the horizon for individuals receiving food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Guam. As of January 1, 2026, a broader segment of recipients will be classified as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) and will be subject to new work requirements.
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) announced these changes on Friday, providing a set of frequently asked questions to clarify the updates. The modifications stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025.
New Eligibility Criteria for SNAP Recipients
Under the revised rules, more individuals will be considered capable of working at least 20 hours per week, or a total of 80 hours each month. This shift particularly impacts adults classified as ABAWDs, which includes those aged 18 to 64 who do not live with a dependent child.
Several categories of individuals will now face changes regarding their eligibility. Notably, the following groups will no longer qualify for benefits:
– Individuals with withheld deportation orders
– Those granted asylum
– Parolees
Additionally, prior exceptions for ABAWDs related to homelessness, veteran status, and age have been eliminated. The age range for exemptions has been expanded from 18-59 years to 18-64 years, while the valid age for dependent children has been adjusted from under 18 to under 14. Furthermore, individuals identified as “Indian,” “Urban Indian,” or “California Indian,” as defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, will now be recognized as valid exemptions from ABAWD work requirements.
Understanding ABAWD Requirements
ABAWD applicants must meet specific work criteria to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. In addition to the standard qualifications for general SNAP applicants, an ABAWD must fulfill a work requirement of 80 hours per month. Acceptable activities to meet this requirement include:
– Paid employment
– Self-employment
– Volunteer work
– In-kind work
– Participation in the SNAP Employment and Training program
This program, in collaboration with the Guam Department of Labor and the American Jobs Center, offers training, education opportunities, career support, and job placement assistance tailored to all SNAP participants. Time spent in this program counts towards the work requirement.
Individuals interested in joining the SNAP Employment and Training program should consult their caseworker for a referral.
Failure to meet the new work requirements will significantly affect benefits. An ABAWD can only receive SNAP assistance for three months within a 36-month period without fulfilling the work obligation. After this timeframe, benefits will be terminated unless the applicant meets the necessary requirements.
Certain exceptions to these requirements remain in place. Individuals under 18 or over 65, those caring for a child under 14 or an incapacitated person, and individuals unable to work due to physical or mental limitations may still receive benefits without meeting the work criteria.
Notifications regarding these changes have already been dispatched to affected households, ensuring that recipients are aware of the new guidelines well ahead of the January deadline.
For those who were contacted as ABAWDs but have a dependent child, inquiries can be directed to DPHSS via email at [email protected], with the subject line: ABAWD Letter Inquiry.
As these updates roll out, the Guam community will need to adapt to the new requirements, emphasizing work participation among SNAP recipients from early 2026.
