SNAP FAQ’s

You have applied for or are receiving Food Assistance benefits and Department of Children and Families (DCF) has determined you to an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents required to complete 80 hours per month in allowable activities as a condition of receiving Food Assistance benefits.

An ABAWD is an able-bodied adult without dependents who are requested to complete work requirements of 80 hours per month in a work program in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. ABAWD criteria is as follows:

• Between the age of 18-49
• Not working at least 20 hours a week
• Not earning weekly wages of at least $162.00
• Not in school at least half-time
• No documented medical limitations
• Individuals not considered ABAWD; that are not required to complete work requirements are individuals:
  • Under the age of 18 or over the age of 50
  • Documented medically unable to work
  • Receiving disability benefits
  • A parent (natural, step, adoptive) of dependent under the age of 18
  • Living with a household member under the age of 18
  • Caring for incapacitated person
  • Receiving or applied for re-employment assistance and complying with the work requirements
  • Participating in a drug/alcohol additional program (not Narcotics/Alcohol Anonymous (NA/AA)
  • Employed or self-employed over 20 hours per week or making more than $162.00 per week
  • A student enrolled at least half time in a school to include a training program or institution of higher education
  • Pregnant
  • Obviously physically or mentally unable to work

• Step 1: Click here to create an account and begin the required Orientation.  Select the “New User Login” option.  Once you create your account, you will have access to a page called “myTess”, which stands for “My Tools for Economic Self-Sufficiency”.  This page will enable you to manage your required activities and interact with us.  Click here for a brief tutorial about this page.
• Step 2: Continue in the OSST website to complete an Assessment within 7 days of the letter date.
• Step 3: Click on the appropriate button to receive additional information for scheduling your one-on-one appointment with a CareerSource Brevard team member to start your 80 hours in allowable activities.
• Step 4: Attend your scheduled appointment.

You will need to call our SNAP hotline at 321-394-0705 to receive information on how to comply with the SNAP program.

Complete the steps indicated in the Notice of Mandatory Participation letter. If you have medical limitations that may prevent you from complying with the 80 hour work requirements, you may be eligible for an exemption from DCF.  You will need to contact DCF directly at 866-762-2237 to discuss whether or not you meet their exemption criteria based on medical status.

Complete the Steps indicated in your Notice of Mandatory Participation letter and contact Department of Children & Families to discuss exemption from work requirements. If you are going to school more than part-time (determined by each school), you may be eligible for an exemption from DCF.  You will need to contact DCF directly at 866-762-2237 to discuss whether or not you meet their exemption criteria based on student status.  If you are going to school less than part-time, then those hours may count towards participation.

Complete the Steps indicated in your Notice of Mandatory Participation letter and contact Department of Children & Families to discuss exemption from work requirements. If you have medical limitations that may prevent you from complying with the 80 hour work requirement, you may be eligible for an exemption from DCF.  You will need to contact DCF directly at 866-762-2237 to discuss whether or not you meet their exemption criteria based on medical status.

Complete the Steps indicated in your Notice of Mandatory Participation letter and contact Department of Children & Families to discuss exemption from work requirements. If you are caring for an incapacitated individual that may prevent you from complying with the 80 hour work requirement, you may be eligible for an exemption from DCF.  You will need to contact DCF directly at 866-762-2237 to discuss whether or not you meet their exemption criteria based on caring for an incapacitated individual.

If you are working 20 or more hours a week or making $162.00 per week, you may be exempt by DCF. Complete the step noted in your Notice of Mandatory Participation letter and contact Florida Department of Children & Families to discuss an exemption for work requirements.  If you are working less than that, we may count your work hours towards participation.

Complete the Steps indicated in your Notice of Mandatory Participation letter and contact Department of Children & Families to discuss exemption from work requirements. If you are caring for an incapacitated individual that may prevent you from complying with the 80 hour work requirement, you may be eligible for an exemption from DCF.  You will need to contact DCF directly at 866-762-2237 to discuss whether or not you meet their exemption criteria.

You will complete Step 3 in OSST which is contacting CareerSource Brevard at 321-394-0705 to set up for a one on one with a CareerSource Brevard team member.

There are a lot of people trying to access the system at the same time. You have 7 days to complete the orientation and the assessment and to schedule your one on one appointment with a CareerSource Brevard team member.  If you can, try to access the system at a different time of the day, including early mornings and/or late evenings.

You can go to your closest CareerSource Brevard location. There you will be able to use the computers in our Transition Room (on a first-come, first serve basis) or your local public library to complete your online activities.  Contact us

Department of Children and Families: Phone: 1-866-762-2237. Agents are available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Access Central Mail Center
P.O. Box 1770
Ocala, FL 34478-1770

Fax: 1-866-886-4342

Local Brevard County ACCESS Application Center:
801 Dixon Blvd
Suite 1103
Cocoa, Florida 32922

Fax: 1-866-735-2469