SNAP & Food Stamps

Food Banks Are Overwhelmed — What SNAP Work Requirements Mean for Your Benefits Right Now

As food pantry demand surges and federal ABAWD enforcement tightens, here is a clear breakdown of what changed, who is affected, and what steps may help you access food assistance.

June 15, 2026·MSBy Michael Spitaleri, Editor-in-Chief·✓ Reviewed July 2025

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Key Takeaways

✓Food banks nationally are reporting visit increases of more than 20% above pre-pandemic baselines, partly driven by households losing SNAP benefits as pandemic-era waivers expire.
✓SNAP work requirements — formally called ABAWD rules — apply to able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–54 and can limit benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period without meeting an 80-hour monthly work or training threshold.
✓Exemptions exist for pregnancy, disability, caregiving responsibilities, and enrollment in qualifying programs — but exemptions are not always applied automatically, so you may need to document them with your state SNAP office.
✓If your SNAP case was closed or reduced, you have the right to request a fair hearing, and you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeal process if you act before your benefits end.
✓Programs including TEFAP, WIC, school meal programs, and local food banks may be available as a bridge while you navigate SNAP eligibility — none of them require SNAP enrollment to access.

Informational guide only. Not affiliated with any government agency. Program details vary by state and change frequently. Verify eligibility directly with your local agency or at Benefits.gov.

Food banks are seeing record demand as SNAP work requirement enforcement expands — and if your household is caught in the middle of these changes, you deserve a clear, honest breakdown of what is happening and what options may be available to you. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains the largest federal food assistance program in the United States, but the end of pandemic-era waivers and stricter enforcement of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rules is pushing more people toward food pantries at a time when those organizations are already stretched to capacity.

Data Snapshot

According to USDA Food and Nutrition Service data published at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/data-tables, SNAP served approximately 42.1 million people per month in fiscal year 2023, with an average monthly benefit of roughly $212 per person. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income. The USDA also reports that states operating without a federal ABAWD waiver must enforce the 3-month time limit for qualifying adults who do not meet the 80-hours-per-month work or training threshold. As of 2024, the number of states with full or partial ABAWD waivers has declined sharply compared to the COVID-era period, meaning more individuals are subject to time-limited benefits than at any point in the past several years. Feeding America's 2024 hunger report estimated that food bank visits increased by more than 20% nationally compared to pre-pandemic baselines — a figure that reflects the widening gap between need and current program access.

What SNAP Work Requirements Actually Are

SNAP work requirements — formally called ABAWD rules — apply to a specific group: able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 54. If you fall into this category and live in a state that enforces these rules without a waiver, you may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months out of any 36-month period unless you meet one of the following conditions each month.

Ways to Meet the Work Requirement

Work at least 80 hours per month in paid employment
Participate in a qualifying job training or workforce development program for at least 80 hours per month
Participate in a SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program authorized by your state
Perform community service for at least 80 hours per month

Meeting any one of these criteria — not all of them — is sufficient to maintain eligibility beyond the 3-month limit.

Exemptions That May Apply

Not everyone in the 18–54 age range is automatically subject to these rules. You may be exempt if you:

Are physically or mentally unfit for work (documentation from a physician or caseworker may be required)
Are pregnant
Are responsible for a dependent child or an incapacitated adult in your household
Are already enrolled in certain substance use treatment programs
Are a veteran or experiencing homelessness, depending on your state's rules

Exemptions are not always applied automatically. If you believe one applies to your situation, contact your local SNAP office directly and ask them to document the exemption in your case file. Bring supporting paperwork — a doctor's note, proof of pregnancy, documentation of a dependent, or proof of program enrollment — when you go.

Why Food Banks Are Seeing More People Right Now

The surge in food bank visits is being driven by several overlapping factors, not a single cause.

Expiration of pandemic-era SNAP flexibilities. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, many states received federal waivers that suspended ABAWD time limits entirely. Most of those waivers have since expired or been reduced, meaning people who were receiving benefits without meeting work requirements are now subject to the standard rules again — often without adequate notice or transition support.

Stricter state-level enforcement and recertification. Some states have tightened their SNAP eligibility reviews and recertification processes, leading to more households being disenrolled. Terminations are not always accurate. If you received a notice that your benefits are ending, you have the right to request a fair hearing.

Inflation and purchasing power erosion. Even households that still receive SNAP may find that benefits do not stretch as far as they once did, pushing them to supplement with food bank visits to cover the gap.

Awareness gaps about alternatives. Many people who lose SNAP are unaware that they may still qualify for other food assistance programs, or that they can appeal a termination decision. That gap in awareness is one of the most consequential problems in the current environment.

What to Do If You Have Lost SNAP Benefits or Are at Risk

Step 1: Get Your Termination Notice in Writing

If your SNAP case was closed or your benefits were reduced, your state agency is required to send you a written notice explaining the reason. Read it carefully. The notice will include a deadline for requesting a fair hearing — typically 90 days from the date on the notice, though this varies by state.

Step 2: Request a Fair Hearing

You have the right to appeal any SNAP decision. If you request a hearing before your current benefit period ends, you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeal process — a protection sometimes called "aid pending appeal" or "continued benefits." Contact your state SNAP office or a local legal aid organization to start this process. Do not wait; deadlines are strict and missing them can forfeit your right to appeal.

Step 3: Document Any Exemption That Applies to You

Bring documentation to your local SNAP office that supports any exemption you believe applies — a physician's note, proof of pregnancy, documentation of a dependent, or proof of enrollment in a qualifying program. Ask the caseworker to note the exemption in your case file and request written confirmation that it has been recorded.

Step 4: Ask About SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)

SNAP E&T programs are federally funded and specifically designed to help SNAP recipients meet work requirements through job training, education, job search assistance, and work experience. Enrolling in a qualifying E&T program may allow you to continue receiving SNAP benefits even if you are otherwise subject to ABAWD time limits. Ask your state SNAP office which programs in your area qualify — the list varies by state.

Step 5: Connect With Local Food Resources While You Navigate SNAP

Food banks and pantries may be available to help bridge the gap while your SNAP situation is being resolved. Dial 2-1-1 (available in most areas) to find food resources near you, or use the USDA's food assistance locator at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/find-local-snap-office.

Other Food Assistance Programs That May Be Available

SNAP is not the only option. Depending on your household situation and income level, these programs may be worth exploring — and none of them require you to be enrolled in SNAP.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5, WIC may be available to you regardless of your SNAP status. WIC is administered by the USDA and provides specific food benefits, nutrition counseling, and referrals to other services. Income limits are generally set at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though states may apply lower thresholds. WIC has no work requirements.

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

TEFAP distributes USDA commodity foods — canned goods, grains, proteins, and other staples — through food banks and pantries at no cost to recipients. There are no work requirements for TEFAP. Eligibility is income-based, typically at or below 185% FPL, but states set their own criteria. You do not need to be enrolled in SNAP to access TEFAP foods through your local food bank.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)

If you have school-age children, they may qualify for free or reduced-price meals through these USDA programs. Households at or below 130% FPL may qualify for free meals; those between 130% and 185% FPL may qualify for reduced-price meals. Applications are submitted through your child's school.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

CSFP provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors age 60 and older. If you have an elderly family member in your household, this program may be available in your area through a local food bank or community organization. Income limits and availability vary by location.

Documents You May Need

Whether you are applying for SNAP for the first time, appealing a termination, or applying for another food assistance program, having these documents ready can reduce delays:

Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, or passport
Proof of residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail with your address
Proof of income — pay stubs, employer letter, Social Security award letter, or self-employment records
Proof of expenses — rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare costs, or medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members
Social Security numbers for all household members applying
Immigration documents if applicable — SNAP has specific eligibility rules for non-citizens
Medical documentation if you are claiming a disability or health-related exemption

Your Right to Appeal and Get Help

If you believe your SNAP case was closed in error, or that an exemption was not properly applied to your case, you are not without recourse. Every state is required to maintain a fair hearing process for SNAP decisions. You can also contact your state's legal aid organization — many provide free assistance with SNAP appeals and can help you understand your rights before a deadline passes. Find legal aid in your area at https://www.lawhelp.org.

Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: July 2025

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults in 2024 and 2025?

SNAP work requirements — called ABAWD rules — apply to able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–54. To maintain benefits beyond 3 months in a 36-month period, you generally must work, participate in qualifying job training, or perform community service for at least 80 hours per month. Exemptions exist for those who are pregnant, have a disability, or are caring for a dependent. Rules and waiver status vary by state.

Can I still get food assistance if I lose SNAP benefits?

Other programs may be available. Food banks and pantries distribute food through TEFAP with no work requirements. WIC may help if you are pregnant or have children under age 5. School meal programs may help families with school-age children. Dial 2-1-1 or use the USDA's food assistance locator to find resources near you while you work through your SNAP situation.

How do I appeal a SNAP termination or benefit reduction?

You have the right to request a fair hearing within the timeframe listed on your termination notice — typically 90 days from the notice date, though this varies by state. If you request a hearing before your benefits end, you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeal. Contact your state SNAP office or a local legal aid organization for help. Deadlines are strict — do not delay.

What income level is generally required to qualify for SNAP?

SNAP gross income limits are generally set at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most households, with a net income limit of 100% FPL after allowable deductions. Some households with elderly or disabled members may qualify under different thresholds. Exact dollar figures change annually — check with your state SNAP agency or Benefits.gov for current figures applicable to your household size.

What is the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program and how does it help?

SNAP E&T is a federally funded program that helps SNAP recipients meet work requirements through job training, education, job search assistance, and work experience placements. Enrolling in a qualifying E&T program may allow you to continue receiving SNAP benefits even if you are subject to ABAWD time limits. Contact your state SNAP office to find out which local programs qualify in your area.

About the Author

Michael Spitaleri, Editor-in-Chief — Founder & Editor-in-Chief. Michael Spitaleri is the founder and editor-in-chief of Hardship Authority. He oversees all editorial content on the site, ensuring every article meets rigorous standards for accuracy, clarity, and practical usefulness before publication.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits advice. Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency. Verify information with official sources including Benefits.gov, USDA, HUD, and your state program office.

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