SNAP Work Requirements Have Changed: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Benefits
If you currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, recent changes to federal work requirements may affect whether you need to meet new activity rules to keep your food assistance. The rules around who must work, train, or volunteer — and for how many hours — have shifted, and understanding exactly what applies to your situation is the most important thing you can do right now.
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What Changed With SNAP Work Requirements?
Under longstanding federal law, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 49 were subject to a time limit: they could only receive SNAP for three months out of every 36 unless they worked or participated in a qualifying program for at least 80 hours per month.
Recent federal legislation has expanded this age range. Adults up to age 54 are now subject to ABAWD time limits in most states, phasing up from the previous cap of 49. This means if you are between 50 and 54 and do not have dependents or a qualifying exemption, you may now be required to meet work or activity requirements that did not apply to you before.
This change is being phased in, and implementation varies by state. Some states have received waivers that temporarily suspend these rules in areas with high unemployment. Others are enforcing the new limits immediately.
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Who Is Exempt From SNAP Work Requirements?
Not everyone subject to SNAP rules is required to meet work requirements. You may be exempt if you:
- Have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working (documentation from a medical provider is typically required)
- Are pregnant
- Are the primary caregiver for a child under age 6 (in some states, this extends to children under 12)
- Are already participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Are a student enrolled at least half-time in an approved educational program
- Are already working at least 30 hours per week or earning the equivalent of minimum wage × 30 hours
- Live in an area with a federally approved ABAWD waiver — your state SNAP office can confirm this
If you believe you qualify for an exemption, report it to your caseworker and bring documentation. Do not assume the exemption is automatically applied to your case.
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What Activities Count Toward the Requirement?
If you are subject to work requirements, you must complete at least 80 hours of qualifying activity per month. Approved activities typically include:
Employment Any paid work — full-time, part-time, or gig-based — generally counts as long as you can document your hours. Pay stubs, employer letters, or platform earnings statements are commonly accepted.
Job Training and Workforce Programs Participation in a SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program qualifies. These are state-administered programs that may include job search assistance, vocational training, and skills development. Ask your local SNAP office which E&T providers operate in your area.
Education Enrollment in certain educational programs — including GED preparation, vocational school, or community college — may count, depending on your state's rules.
Volunteering This is an option many people overlook. Approved volunteer work can count toward your 80-hour monthly requirement in many states. The volunteer activity must be with a recognized organization, and you'll need documentation of your hours — typically a letter or log signed by the organization's supervisor.
Food banks, community organizations, faith-based nonprofits, and local government programs are common approved volunteer sites. Contact your SNAP office to confirm which volunteer placements are pre-approved in your county.
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Documents You May Need to Prove Compliance
If you are subject to work requirements, keep records of your activity every month. Commonly requested documentation includes:
- Pay stubs or employer verification letters (for employment)
- Training program enrollment confirmation and attendance records
- Volunteer hour logs signed by a supervisor at the organization
- Medical documentation if you are claiming a disability exemption
- School enrollment records if claiming a student exemption
- Child's birth certificate if claiming a caregiver exemption
Submit documentation to your caseworker before your monthly reporting deadline. Late or missing documentation is one of the most common reasons benefits are interrupted.
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What Happens If You Don't Meet the Requirements?
If you are subject to ABAWD time limits and do not meet the 80-hour monthly requirement — and do not have an approved exemption — your SNAP benefits may be suspended after three months.
However, you have the right to appeal. If your benefits are reduced or terminated and you believe the decision was made in error, you can request a fair hearing through your state SNAP agency. Request the hearing in writing as soon as possible — most states have a 90-day window from the date of the notice, but acting quickly protects your rights.
You may also regain eligibility if your circumstances change — for example, if you begin working, enroll in a qualifying program, or gain an exemption.
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How to Find Out If These Changes Affect You
- Contact your local SNAP office — find it through your state's SNAP agency website or by calling 211.
- Review your most recent SNAP notice — if the new rules apply to you, your state should have sent written notification.
- Ask about SNAP E&T programs — if you need help finding qualifying work or training, your state may be able to connect you with free job placement services.
- Explore volunteer options — if employment isn't currently possible, ask your caseworker for a list of pre-approved volunteer sites in your area.
- Document everything — start keeping records of your work, training, or volunteer hours now, even before you're asked to submit them.
Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: April 2026