SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides critical food assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States. To maintain eligibility, certain SNAP recipients must meet work requirements, which are designed to encourage employment and self-sufficiency.

These rules, set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by state agencies, vary based on age, household composition, and ability to work. This article explains SNAP’s general and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements, who is exempt, how to comply, and recent changes, including those from the “Big Beautiful Bill” signed in July 2025.

Overview of SNAP Work Requirements

SNAP has two types of work requirements: general work requirements and ABAWD work requirements. These rules aim to ensure that recipients who are able to work are actively seeking employment, working, or participating in approved training programs. Failure to comply can result in temporary or permanent loss of benefits, depending on the requirement and circumstances.

General Work Requirements

The general work requirements apply to most SNAP recipients aged 16 to 59 who are able to work. To maintain eligibility, you must:

Register for work: Provide information about your employment status or job availability to your state SNAP agency, often during the application process. For guidance, see How to Apply for SNAP Benefits.
Accept suitable employment: Take a job offer paying at least the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour in 2025) unless you have a valid reason to decline (e.g., unsafe working conditions).
Not voluntarily quit or reduce hours: Avoid quitting a job or reducing work hours below 30 per week without good cause (e.g., health issues or childcare needs).
Participate in assigned programs: Engage in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs or workfare (community service) if required by your state agency.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: If you fail to meet these requirements without good cause, you may be disqualified from SNAP for at least one month. Repeated non-compliance can lead to longer disqualifications, potentially permanent in some cases.

ABAWD Work Requirements

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) face additional, stricter requirements. As of October 2024, ABAWDs are defined as individuals aged 18 to 64 who have no dependents (children under 18) and are not disabled. To receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period, ABAWDs must:

Work at least 80 hours per month: This can include paid work, unpaid work (e.g., volunteering), or work in exchange for goods/services (e.g., bartering for rent). This equates to roughly 20 hours per week.
Participate in a work program: Engage in a federal, state, or local work program, such as SNAP E&T, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, or Trade Adjustment Assistance, for at least 80 hours per month.
Participate in workfare: Perform community service at an approved non-profit or public organization. The required hours are calculated by dividing your monthly SNAP benefit by the state’s minimum wage (e.g., $292 benefit ÷ $7.25/hour = ~40 hours/month or 10 hours/week for a single person).

Time Limit: If you do not meet the ABAWD work requirements, you are limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period (known as the “time limit”). To regain eligibility after losing benefits, you must meet the work requirement for 30 consecutive days or qualify for an exemption. To monitor your benefits, see How to Check Your SNAP Balance.

Recent Changes: The “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law in July 2025, expanded ABAWD work requirements to include adults up to age 64 (previously 54) and parents with children aged 14 or older. It also eliminated exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth aged 24 or younger, effective in 2030. Additionally, states can only waive ABAWD requirements in areas with unemployment rates above 10%, limiting relief in areas with limited job opportunities. These changes are set to expire on September 30, 2030, unless extended.

Exemptions from SNAP Work Requirements

Not all SNAP recipients are subject to work requirements. You may be exempt from general work requirements if you:

Are under 16 or over 59 years old.
Are physically or mentally unable to work (e.g., due to a documented disability, mental health condition, or pregnancy).
Are already working at least 30 hours per week or earning at least $217.50/week (before taxes).
Are caring for a child under 6 or an incapacitated household member.
Are participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
Are a student enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school or training program (unless you meet specific SNAP student eligibility criteria, such as working 20 hours/week).

You may be exempt from ABAWD work requirements if you:

Meet any of the general work requirement exemptions listed above.
Are under 18 or over 64 (or over 54 until October 2024, depending on state implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act).
Are pregnant.
Live with a child under 18, even if the child does not receive SNAP.
Are a veteran, person experiencing homelessness, or former foster youth aged 24 or younger (exemptions valid until 2030 under the Fiscal Responsibility Act).
Live in an area with a temporary waiver due to high unemployment (above 10%) or insufficient job opportunities. As of Q3 2025, three states have full ABAWD waivers, and 25 states have waivers for specific counties.

Note: Exemptions require verification, such as a doctor’s note for disabilities or proof of veteran status. You can report exemptions during your SNAP application, recertification, or by contacting your state agency (e.g., via DTA Connect in Massachusetts or YourTexasBenefits.com in Texas). For income-related eligibility details, see SNAP Income Limit.

How to Comply with SNAP Work Requirements

To meet SNAP work requirements and maintain your benefits, follow these steps:

Register for Work: Provide employment information during your SNAP application or recertification. Some states require registration with a state employment agency or job center.
Track and Document Hours: Keep records of your work or volunteer hours, such as pay stubs, timesheets, or a signed letter from a supervisor or non-profit organization. For workfare, complete forms like the ABAWD Work Program Participation Report (WPPR) if required by your state.
Participate in SNAP E&T Programs: Enroll in a SNAP Employment and Training program if assigned by your state. These programs offer job search assistance, training, or work experience and are available through state agencies, colleges, or community organizations. Check with your state SNAP office for approved programs.
Engage in Workfare: Volunteer at an approved non-profit or public organization (e.g., food pantry, library) to meet ABAWD requirements. Contact your caseworker to find eligible sites or visit state-specific resources like SNAPPathtoWork.org in Massachusetts.
Report Changes Promptly: Notify your state agency within 10 days if your work hours drop below 20 hours/week (for ABAWDs) or if your gross income exceeds 130% of the federal poverty level. Use online portals like BenefitsCal (California) or call your state’s SNAP hotline.
Request Special Allowances: Ask your caseworker about Special Allowances (SPALs) for expenses like transportation, clothing, or tools needed to meet work requirements.

Impact of Work Requirements

Research shows that SNAP work requirements, particularly ABAWD rules, do not significantly increase employment or earnings but often reduce SNAP participation, leading to increased food insecurity. For example:

A 2025 Brookings report found that ABAWD work requirements cause a large decrease in SNAP participation without boosting employment rates.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that proposed expansions of work requirements could result in 3 to 3.5 million fewer SNAP participants monthly, affecting families with children, older adults, and veterans.
The Urban Institute projected that 2025 House legislation expanding work requirements to age 64 and parents with school-age children could lead to 2.7 million families losing some or all benefits, with an average loss of $254/month per family.

These findings suggest that work requirements create administrative barriers, particularly for those with unstable employment or difficulty documenting exemptions, without addressing underlying economic challenges like job scarcity.

State-Specific Considerations

Work requirements are administered by state SNAP agencies, and some flexibility exists:

Waivers: States can request temporary waivers for ABAWD requirements in areas with high unemployment (above 10%) or insufficient jobs. For example, Illinois has a statewide waiver through October 31, 2025, and Pennsylvania’s waiver extends through May 31, 2025, for certain counties.
Program Availability: States like California and New York offer robust SNAP E&T programs, while others may have limited options, making compliance harder. Check your state’s SNAP website (e.g., www.cdss.ca.gov in California or otda.ny.gov in New York) for details.
Verification Processes: States vary in how they track compliance. For example, Georgia requires ABAWDs to report work hour reductions within 10 days, while Massachusetts allows exemption reporting via DTA Connect.

Tips to Avoid Losing Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits and comply with work requirements:

Check Notices: Review mail or online portals (e.g., DTA Connect, YourTexasBenefits.com) for notices about work requirements or exemptions.
Document Exemptions: Submit proof of exemptions (e.g., medical statements, veteran status) during application or recertification. Upload documents via your state’s online portal or contact your caseworker.
Secure Your EBT Card: Use your state’s EBT app (e.g., ConnectEBT, ebtEDGE) to monitor balances and protect against fraud, which can disrupt benefit access. Change your PIN regularly.
Appeal Denials: If you lose benefits due to work requirement issues, request a fair hearing within 90 days. Provide evidence of compliance or exemptions to support your case.
Use Community Resources: Seek help from food banks, pantries, or organizations like Just Harvest (justharvest.org) for assistance with compliance or alternative food support.

Conclusion

SNAP work requirements, including general and ABAWD rules, aim to promote employment but can create barriers to food assistance, especially for those facing job scarcity or administrative challenges. Exemptions exist for groups like people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and (until 2030) veterans and former foster youth, but recent changes, like the “Big Beautiful Bill,” have expanded requirements to include older adults and parents with older children.

To comply, register for work, participate in E&T or workfare, and report changes promptly. Use resources like the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check your status, and contact your state SNAP agency (e.g., www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) for guidance. Staying informed and proactive can help you maintain your benefits and avoid disruptions.