New SNAP Work Rules Are Pushing People Away From Food Assistance — Here's What You Need to Know

New SNAP work requirements are having a documented chilling effect on food assistance enrollment — meaning people who may still be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are not applying, or are dropping off the program, because of fear or confusion about the rules. Reports from Minnesota and other states show rising food insecurity at the same time that stricter work-related requirements are being enforced or expanded. If you're unsure whether these changes affect you, this guide explains exactly what the rules say, who is exempt, and what steps you can take to protect your access to food assistance.

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Data Snapshot

As of federal fiscal year 2024, approximately 42.1 million people participated in SNAP in an average month, according to USDA Food and Nutrition Service data (https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap). The average monthly benefit per person was approximately $189, though benefit amounts vary by household size and income. In Minnesota specifically, SNAP served over 400,000 individuals per month in recent reporting periods. Meanwhile, food bank usage has climbed in multiple states, with Feeding America reporting that demand at food pantries remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels — a sign that administrative barriers, including work rule confusion, may be keeping eligible households from enrolling.

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What Are the SNAP Work Requirements?

SNAP has always included some work-related rules, but recent federal and state-level changes have expanded or more strictly enforced them. Here's a plain-English breakdown.

The ABAWD Rule: Who It Applies To

The most discussed work requirement applies to a specific group called Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Under federal law, ABAWDs are generally defined as:

  • Adults between the ages of 18 and 54 (recently expanded from 49 under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023)
  • Who do not have a dependent child or other qualifying dependent in their household
  • Who are considered physically and mentally able to work

If you fall into this category, federal rules generally limit your SNAP eligibility to 3 months out of every 36-month period unless you meet a work or training requirement of at least 80 hours per month.

What Counts as Meeting the Work Requirement?

Activities that may satisfy the ABAWD work requirement include:

  • Working a paid job (at least 80 hours/month)
  • Participating in a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program
  • Volunteering through an approved program
  • Participating in a workfare program
  • Attending job training or vocational education

Who Is Exempt From ABAWD Work Rules?

Many people are not subject to ABAWD rules at all. You may be exempt if you:

  • Are under 18 or 54 or older (note: the upper age limit recently changed — see below)
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work
  • Are caring for a dependent child or incapacitated adult
  • Are already participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
  • Are a veteran
  • Are experiencing homelessness
  • Live in an area where your state has received a federal waiver due to high unemployment

This is not an exhaustive list. If you believe you have a condition or circumstance that affects your ability to work, you can and should report it to your caseworker.

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What Changed Recently — and Why It Matters

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 raised the ABAWD age cap from 49 to 54, meaning adults in the 50–54 age range are now subject to work requirements for the first time. This change took effect in stages and is now fully in force.

Additionally, pandemic-era waivers that had suspended ABAWD time limits in many states have expired. States that previously had broad geographic waivers — which exempted entire counties or regions with high unemployment — have seen those waivers reduced or eliminated as unemployment rates dropped.

The result: more people are now subject to work requirements than at any point in the past several years, and many of them may not realize it — or may not know they have options.

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The Chilling Effect: Why Eligible People Are Staying Away

Research and reporting — including coverage from Minnesota's Sahan Journal — document a pattern where people who may still qualify for SNAP are not applying. This happens for several reasons:

  • Fear of paperwork or penalties: People worry that failing to document work hours correctly will result in fraud accusations or repayment demands.
  • Confusion about exemptions: Many people don't know they may be exempt from work rules due to age, health, or caregiving responsibilities.
  • Language and access barriers: Non-English speakers and people without internet access may struggle to navigate updated requirements.
  • Stigma: Some people feel that applying for food assistance is shameful, especially when new rules feel punitive.

If any of this sounds familiar, the most important thing to know is this: not applying when you may be eligible doesn't protect you — it just means going without food assistance you may have a right to access.

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SNAP If You're Unsure About Work Rules

Step 1: Check Basic Income Eligibility

SNAP eligibility is primarily based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Most households must have:

  • Gross income at or below 130% of FPL
  • Net income (after deductions) at or below 100% of FPL

Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Before applying, collect the following:

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address)
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, employer letter, Social Security award letter, or self-employment records)
  • Proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utility bills, childcare costs, medical expenses if elderly or disabled)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members applying
  • Immigration documents, if applicable

If you have a health condition that may exempt you from work requirements, bring any documentation you have — a doctor's note, disability determination letter, or medical records summary.

Step 3: Apply Through Your State Agency

SNAP is administered at the state level. You can apply:

  • Online through your state's SNAP or human services portal (search your state name + "SNAP application")
  • In person at your local SNAP or Department of Social Services office
  • By mail in most states
  • By phone in some states

Visit Benefits.gov (https://www.benefits.gov) to find your state's specific application portal and contact information.

Step 4: Attend Your Interview

Most states require a brief interview — often conducted by phone — before benefits are approved. Be prepared to explain your household situation, income, and any circumstances that may affect work requirements.

Step 5: Respond to Any Work Requirement Notices

If your state sends you a notice about ABAWD work requirements, do not ignore it. Read it carefully and respond by the deadline. If you believe you are exempt, say so in writing and provide documentation. If you need help, contact a local legal aid organization or food assistance advocacy group.

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If You Lost Benefits Due to Work Rules: Your Right to Appeal

If your SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated because of work requirements and you believe the decision was wrong, you have the right to request a fair hearing. Your termination notice should include instructions on how to request one. You generally have 90 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal, though this varies by state.

Local legal aid organizations can often help you prepare for a fair hearing at no cost.

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State Variation Matters

SNAP work rules are not identical in every state. Some states have received federal waivers that suspend ABAWD time limits in certain counties or regions. Others have expanded exemptions or created additional E&T program slots to help people meet requirements. Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Always check with your state's SNAP agency for the most current rules in your area.

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People Also Ask

Q: Do SNAP work requirements apply to everyone? No. Work requirements under the ABAWD rules apply specifically to able-bodied adults between 18 and 54 who do not have dependents. People who are elderly, pregnant, disabled, caring for children, or living in high-unemployment areas may be exempt. Many SNAP households are not subject to ABAWD rules at all.

Q: What happens if I can't meet the 80-hour work requirement? If you are subject to ABAWD rules and cannot meet the 80-hour monthly requirement, you may be limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period unless you qualify for an exemption. You should contact your state SNAP office to discuss your situation and ask about available Employment and Training (E&T) program slots.

Q: Can I still apply for SNAP if I'm unemployed? Yes. Being unemployed does not automatically disqualify you from SNAP. Eligibility is based on income and household size relative to the Federal Poverty Level. If you are subject to ABAWD rules, you may need to participate in job search or training activities, but many exemptions exist. Applying is the only way to find out what may be available to you.

Q: What is a SNAP fair hearing and how do I request one? A fair hearing is a formal process where you can challenge a decision to reduce or terminate your SNAP benefits. You typically have 90 days from your termination notice to request one. Your notice should include instructions. Local legal aid organizations can help you prepare at no cost.

Q: How do I find out if my county has a work requirement waiver? Contact your state's SNAP agency directly or visit your state's human services website. You can also use Benefits.gov (https://www.benefits.gov) to find your state's SNAP contact information. Waivers change periodically based on unemployment data, so it's worth checking even if you were told a waiver didn't apply in the past.

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Last reviewed: July 2026