The Kansas Department for Children and Families Economic and Employment Services (EES) division has verified no exemptions to extend months of benefits for able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) were claimed for the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) in federal fiscal years 2019 and 2020.

Discretionary use of exemptions allowing additional months of benefits for ABAWDS is allowable under federal regulations 7 C.F.R. § 273.24(g). Due to the uncertainty of the Kansas Legislature’s intent in state law, a memo was issued to staff on July 11, 2019 stating the discretionary exemptions would not be used. The memo reversed an earlier memo that would have allowed for limited usage of exemptions. The USDA SNAP ABAWD Exemption usage reports confirm Kansas did not utilize exemptions and no individuals received any added benefit. SNAP - ABAWD Discretionary Exemptions - Totals for FY 2021 (azureedge.us). SNAP – ABAWD Discretionary Exemptions – Totals for FY 2020.