If a client applies for FNS on January 7, 2019, and does not meet any ABAWD exemptions, what month would be considered their first free month?

The correct understanding of determining the first free month for clients applying for the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, particularly for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), lies in the specific criteria set by regulations. When a client applies on January 7, 2019, their eligibility for SNAP benefits and the timing of receiving those benefits is what determines their first free month.

ABAWD clients are subject to work requirements and may receive SNAP benefits for a limited time unless they meet an exemption. In this case, since the client does not meet any of the exemptions, the first month for which they receive SNAP benefits would be considered their first free month in relation to the work requirement.

When the application is made in January, benefits typically begin the month after the application is processed. Since the client applied in January, their benefits would start in February. Thus, February is regarded as the first month in which they receive benefits. Given that the ABAWD time limits are usually assessed based on the month of benefit issuance and not the month in which the application is filed, February is the month that counts as their first free month before the ABAWD work requirements would apply.

So, for clients like this one, the first free month