Thousands of Minnesotans Losing SNAP Benefits: What the New Eligibility Rules Mean and What to Do Next

Minnesota is removing thousands of residents from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the state enforces stricter federal eligibility requirements — including expanded work rules for able-bodied adults without dependents. If you or someone you know received a termination notice or is worried about losing food assistance, understanding exactly what changed and what your options are may help you take the right steps before benefits stop.

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What Changed: The New SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Minnesota

The changes driving these terminations are rooted in federal SNAP rules that Minnesota had previously waived or limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. As those waivers have expired, the state is now required to enforce rules that were temporarily suspended.

Expanded Work Requirements for ABAWDs

The most significant change affects Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — a federal SNAP category that now applies to adults ages 18 through 54 who do not have children or other dependents in their household.

Under reinstated federal rules: - ABAWDs must work, participate in job training, or perform community service for at least 80 hours per month to maintain SNAP eligibility. - Those who do not meet this requirement may only receive SNAP for 3 months out of every 36-month period unless they qualify for an exemption.

Exemptions from the work requirement may apply if you are: - Physically or mentally unfit for work (documentation required) - Pregnant - Caring for a child under age 6 or an incapacitated household member - Already participating in a qualifying drug or alcohol treatment program - Enrolled at least half-time in an approved educational program

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, contact your local county human services office and request that your case be reviewed before your benefits end.

Asset Limit Enforcement

Some households may also be affected by asset or resource limit rules. In states that do not use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) to waive asset tests, SNAP households may be subject to limits on countable resources such as bank account balances and certain vehicles. Minnesota's current policy on BBCE and how it interacts with these new enforcement actions is worth confirming directly with your county caseworker.

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Who Is Most at Risk of Losing Benefits

Based on the policy changes being enforced, the households most likely to receive termination notices include:

  • Single adults ages 18–54 with no children in the household
  • Couples without dependents where both adults fall in the ABAWD age range
  • Adults who were previously exempt due to pandemic-era waivers that have now expired
  • Households that may have exceeded asset thresholds if Minnesota has tightened resource testing

If your household includes children, elderly members (age 60+), or individuals with documented disabilities, your case may be evaluated under different rules — but you should still verify your status with your caseworker.

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What to Do If You Received a Termination Notice

Receiving a SNAP termination notice does not necessarily mean your case is closed permanently. Here are the concrete steps to take:

Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully Your notice must state the specific reason your benefits are ending and the effective date. It will also include information about your right to appeal.

Step 2: Request a Fair Hearing Immediately In Minnesota, you have the right to request a fair hearing to challenge a SNAP termination. If you request a hearing before your benefits end, you may be able to continue receiving benefits while your case is reviewed — this is called "aid paid pending." Deadlines are typically 90 days from the notice date, but acting sooner protects your benefits longer.

To request a hearing in Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) or your county human services agency. Contact information should be printed on your termination notice.

Step 3: Gather Documentation If your termination is related to work requirements, gather any of the following that apply to your situation: - Pay stubs or employer verification letters - Proof of job training or volunteer hours - Medical documentation of a disability or health condition - School enrollment verification - Proof of pregnancy or dependent care responsibilities

Step 4: Reapply If Eligible Under Different Circumstances If your household situation has changed — for example, you now have a dependent, a new disability, or your income has dropped — you may be able to reapply and qualify under different criteria. SNAP applications in Minnesota are submitted through MNbenefits.mn.gov or at your local county human services office.

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Other Food Assistance Programs That May Be Available

If SNAP is no longer available to you, other programs may help bridge the gap:

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may be available to you. WIC income limits are generally set at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Local Food Banks and Pantries The Feeding America network and local food shelves across Minnesota provide food at no cost regardless of immigration status or SNAP eligibility. Use the Feeding America food bank locator at feedingamerica.org to find a pantry near you.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Families with children who are experiencing financial hardship may be able to access cash assistance and food support through TANF, administered in Minnesota as the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).

Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) The TEFAP program distributes USDA commodity foods through local food banks and pantries. No income verification is required at many distribution sites.

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How to Check Your Current SNAP Status in Minnesota

  • Online: Log into your account at MNbenefits.mn.gov
  • By phone: Call your county human services office or the DHS information line
  • In person: Visit your local county human services office — bring a photo ID and any recent notices you've received

If you submit any forms or applications and are asked to provide your phone number or email, be aware that by doing so you may consent to being contacted about your case. Review any consent language carefully before submitting.

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A Note on Navigating This Process

Losing food assistance is stressful, and the rules around work requirements and exemptions are genuinely complicated. If you're unsure whether the termination was correct, a legal aid organization or a benefits navigator at a local community action agency may be able to review your case at no cost. Many counties in Minnesota have staff specifically trained to help residents understand their SNAP rights.

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

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Last reviewed: April 2026