A federal lawsuit is now challenging USDA's approval of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers in five states, raising questions about work requirement exemptions that affect hundreds of thousands of low-income adults. If you receive SNAP benefits — or are thinking about applying — understanding what these waivers are, why they're being contested, and what the legal challenge could realistically mean for your household is the most practical place to start.

What Are SNAP Waivers and Why Do They Matter?

Under federal SNAP rules, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — generally adults ages 18 to 52 who are not caring for a child or a disabled household member — are subject to a time limit. Without a qualifying exemption, ABAWDs can only receive SNAP benefits for three months out of every 36-month period unless they meet work or job-training requirements of at least 80 hours per month.

However, federal law allows states to request waivers from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to suspend these time limits in geographic areas where the unemployment rate is above 10%, or where there is an insufficient number of jobs. These waivers are a critical safety net for adults in economically distressed communities who may want to work but face genuine barriers to finding employment.

The lawsuit in question challenges whether USDA followed proper administrative and legal procedures when approving these waivers in five states. The specific legal arguments center on procedural compliance — not necessarily on whether the underlying policy is sound.

Which States Are Affected?

The litigation involves SNAP waivers approved for five states, though the full list of named states has not been confirmed in publicly available court filings at the time of this writing. Recipients in states where ABAWD waivers are currently in effect should monitor communications from their state SNAP agency closely. Your state's SNAP agency — often housed within the Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or a similarly named agency — is the authoritative source for whether your county or region is covered by an active waiver.

To find your state's SNAP agency contact information, visit Benefits.gov or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website directly.

What This Means If You Currently Receive SNAP

Legal challenges to federal agency decisions do not automatically result in immediate changes to benefits. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect:

Your Benefits Are Not Automatically Stopped

Federal courts typically take months — sometimes years — to resolve administrative law disputes. In many cases, courts issue a preliminary injunction or stay that preserves the status quo while litigation proceeds. This means that even if the lawsuit is successful, there would likely be a transition period before any changes take effect at the recipient level.

You Should Still Meet Any Existing Requirements

If you are currently subject to ABAWD work requirements in your state — meaning you are not in a waived area — continue meeting those requirements. Failing to comply with work requirements, even during a period of legal uncertainty, can result in loss of benefits.

Keep Your Information Current

Regardless of the lawsuit's outcome, the single most important thing you can do right now is make sure your state SNAP office has your current mailing address, phone number, and email address. If a waiver is ultimately invalidated and your state must notify affected recipients of new requirements, that notice will come through official channels. Missing a notice because your contact information is outdated is one of the most common — and most avoidable — reasons people lose benefits.

Respond to All Renewal and Verification Notices Promptly

SNAP benefits require periodic renewal, and your state may send requests for updated documentation at any time. Failing to respond within the stated deadline — typically 10 to 30 days depending on the state — can result in case closure even if you remain otherwise eligible.

If You Are Applying for SNAP for the First Time

The lawsuit does not affect the basic SNAP application process. If you are applying now, here is what to expect:

General Income Eligibility

Most households must have gross monthly income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to be eligible for SNAP. Net income — after allowable deductions for housing costs, dependent care, and other expenses — must generally be at or below 100% of the FPL. Households with an elderly or disabled member may only need to meet the net income test.

Benefit amounts vary by household size and income and are recalculated annually.

Documents You Will Typically Need

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar)
  • Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, employer letters, or benefit award letters)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members applying for benefits
  • Proof of expenses that may qualify for deductions (rent, utilities, childcare costs)

How to Apply

You can apply for SNAP through your state's online portal, in person at your local SNAP office, or by mail. Most states process applications within 30 days of submission. If your household has very low or no income, you may be eligible for expedited processing within 7 days.

What Advocates and Recipients Should Watch

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and other policy organizations that track SNAP legislation closely are monitoring this litigation. If the court rules against the USDA-approved waivers, affected states would need to either reapply under corrected procedures or begin enforcing ABAWD time limits in previously waived areas. Either outcome would require a formal notification process to recipients — it would not happen overnight.

Stay informed by checking your state SNAP agency's website and signing up for any available email or text alerts. You can also use Benefits.gov to find state-specific SNAP resources and contact information.

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

Last reviewed: April 2026