The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in the United States. To maintain eligibility, certain SNAP recipients must meet work requirements designed to promote employment and self-sufficiency.
However, many individuals are exempt from these requirements due to age, health, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances. This article details who is exempt from SNAP’s general and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements, how to verify exemptions, and recent changes, including those from the “Big Beautiful Bill” signed in July 2025. For a broader overview, see SNAP Work Requirements.
Overview of SNAP Work Requirements
SNAP imposes two types of work requirements: general work requirements for most recipients aged 16 to 59, and stricter ABAWD work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18 to 64. These rules, set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by state agencies, require eligible recipients to work, seek employment, or participate in approved training programs. Failure to comply can result in temporary or permanent loss of benefits. However, exemptions exist to ensure vulnerable populations are not penalized.
General Work Requirements
These apply to SNAP recipients aged 16 to 59 who are able to work. Requirements include registering for work, accepting suitable job offers, not voluntarily quitting or reducing hours below 30 per week without good cause, and participating in assigned Employment and Training (E&T) programs or workfare if required.
ABAWD Work Requirements
ABAWDs (individuals aged 18 to 64 with no dependents and no disabilities) must work or participate in a qualifying program (e.g., SNAP E&T, workfare) for at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours per week) to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” (July 2025) expanded these requirements to include adults up to age 64 (previously 54) and parents with children aged 14 or older, with exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth set to end in 2030.
Who Is Exempt from SNAP Work Requirements?
Exemptions ensure that individuals who cannot reasonably meet work requirements due to age, health, or other responsibilities can continue receiving SNAP benefits. Below are the exemptions for both general and ABAWD work requirements, based on USDA guidelines and state practices.
Exemptions from General Work Requirements
You may be exempt from general work requirements if you:
- Are under 16 or over 59 years old: Individuals outside this age range are not expected to work or register for employment.
- Are physically or mentally unable to work: This includes documented disabilities (e.g., physical impairments, mental health conditions) or temporary conditions verified by a medical professional.
- Are pregnant: Pregnant individuals are exempt, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.
- Are caring for a child under 6: This applies to parents or guardians responsible for a young child in the household.
- Are caring for an incapacitated household member: This includes caring for someone with a disability or illness requiring significant attention.
- Are participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program: Enrollment in a recognized treatment program qualifies for an exemption.
- Are a student enrolled at least half-time: Students in recognized schools, colleges, or training programs are exempt, unless they must meet specific SNAP student eligibility criteria (e.g., working 20 hours/week).
- Are already working at least 30 hours per week: Employment (paid or unpaid) or earnings equivalent to 30 hours at the federal minimum wage ($217.50/week before taxes in 2025) qualifies for an exemption.
Exemptions from ABAWD Work Requirements
ABAWD exemptions include all general work requirement exemptions plus additional ones. You may be exempt if you:
- Meet any general work requirement exemption: Any condition above (e.g., disability, caregiving) also exempts you from ABAWD rules.
- Are under 18 or over 64: The age limit was raised from 54 to 64 by the “Big Beautiful Bill” (effective October 2024). Some states may still use age 54 until fully implemented.
- Live with a child under 18: Even if the child does not receive SNAP, their presence in the household exempts you.
- Are a veteran, person experiencing homelessness, or former foster youth aged 24 or younger: These exemptions, introduced under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, are valid until September 30, 2030, unless extended. The “Big Beautiful Bill” will eliminate these exemptions in 2030.
- Live in an area with a waiver: States can waive ABAWD requirements in areas with high unemployment (above 10%) or insufficient job opportunities. As of Q3 2025, three states have full waivers, and 25 states have waivers for specific counties (e.g., Illinois through October 31, 2025; Pennsylvania through May 31, 2025).
Verification: Exemptions require documentation, such as a doctor’s note for disabilities, proof of veteran status, or a lease to confirm homelessness. Submit these during your SNAP application, recertification, or by contacting your state agency (e.g., DTA Connect in Massachusetts, YourTexasBenefits.com in Texas).
Recent Changes to Exemptions
The “Big Beautiful Bill” (July 2025) introduced significant changes:
- Expanded ABAWD age range: Now applies to adults up to age 64 (previously 54).
- Parents with older children: Parents with children aged 14 or older are no longer exempt, effective October 2024.
- Elimination of specific exemptions: Exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth aged 24 or younger will end in 2030.
- Stricter waiver criteria: States can only waive ABAWD requirements in areas with unemployment above 10%, reducing flexibility in areas with job scarcity.
These changes expire on September 30, 2030, unless extended. Check your state’s SNAP website (e.g., www.cdss.ca.gov for California, otda.ny.gov for New York) for implementation details.
How to Verify and Report Exemptions
To ensure your exemption is recognized and maintain your SNAP benefits:
- Submit Documentation: Provide proof during application or recertification. Examples include:
- Medical statement for disabilities or pregnancy.
- Birth certificates or custody papers for children under 6 or 18.
- Veteran ID or discharge papers.
- Lease, shelter letter, or affidavit for homelessness.
- Use Online Portals: Upload documents via state portals (e.g., BenefitsCal for California, mydhr.alabama.gov for Alabama) or mail them to your SNAP office.
- Contact Your Caseworker: Call your state’s SNAP hotline (e.g., 1-877-328-9677 for California, 1-800-777-7328 for Texas) or visit a local office to report exemptions.
- Monitor Notices: Check mail or online portals for requests for additional verification or recertification deadlines.
- Appeal Denials: If your exemption is denied, request a fair hearing within 90 days. Provide evidence to support your case, such as medical records or proof of caregiving.
Impact of Work Requirements and Exemptions
Research highlights the challenges of SNAP work requirements, particularly for ABAWDs:
- A 2025 Brookings report found that ABAWD work requirements reduce SNAP participation without significantly increasing employment, leading to food insecurity.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimated that expanded work requirements could reduce SNAP participation by 3 to 3.5 million people monthly, impacting vulnerable groups.
- The Urban Institute projected that 2025 legislation could cause 2.7 million families to lose benefits, with an average loss of $254/month per family.
Exemptions protect vulnerable individuals, but stricter rules and reduced waivers may increase administrative burdens, especially for those with unstable employment or difficulty documenting exemptions.
State-Specific Considerations
Exemption policies and verification processes vary by state:
- Waivers: States like Illinois and Pennsylvania have temporary ABAWD waivers in high-unemployment areas. Check the USDA SNAP State Directory (www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) for current waivers.
- E&T Programs: States like California and New York offer robust SNAP E&T programs to help meet work requirements, while others may have limited options. Find programs via state websites (e.g., SNAPPathtoWork.org for Massachusetts).
- Reporting: Some states, like Georgia, require immediate reporting of changes in exemption status, while others, like Massachusetts, allow updates via online portals.
Tips to Maintain SNAP Benefits
To avoid losing benefits due to work requirements:
- Document Exemptions Early: Submit proof during application or recertification to prevent delays.
- Stay Informed: Review notices from your state’s SNAP portal (e.g., DTA Connect, YourTexasBenefits.com) for exemption or recertification requests.
- Secure Your EBT Card: Use apps like ConnectEBT or ebtEDGE to monitor balances and prevent fraud. Change your PIN regularly.
- Seek Assistance: Contact local SNAP offices or organizations like Just Harvest (justharvest.org) for help with exemptions or compliance.
- Check Eligibility: Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to confirm your status and estimate benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the minimum work requirements for SNAP?
For general work requirements, SNAP recipients aged 16 to 59 must register for work, accept suitable job offers, not quit or reduce hours below 30 per week without good cause, and participate in assigned E&T or workfare programs. For ABAWD work requirements, individuals aged 18 to 64 without dependents or disabilities must work or participate in a qualifying program (e.g., SNAP E&T, workfare) for at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours/week) to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period.
Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements?
Exemptions from general work requirements include those under 16 or over 59, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, caregivers for children under 6 or incapacitated household members, students enrolled half-time, and those working 30 hours/week. ABAWD exemptions include all general exemptions, plus those under 18 or over 64, living with a child under 18, or (until 2030) veterans, homeless individuals, or former foster youth aged 24 or younger. Waivers may apply in high-unemployment areas.
How do I prove I’m exempt from SNAP work requirements?
Provide documentation like medical statements for disabilities, birth certificates for children, veteran IDs, or proof of homelessness (e.g., shelter letter) during application or recertification. Upload documents via your state’s SNAP portal or contact your caseworker. Check the USDA SNAP State Directory (www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) for state-specific requirements.
What happens if I don’t meet SNAP work requirements?
Non-compliance with general work requirements may result in a one-month SNAP disqualification, with longer or permanent bans for repeated violations. For ABAWDs, failure to meet the 80-hour/month requirement limits benefits to three months in a 36-month period. You can regain eligibility by meeting work requirements for 30 days or qualifying for an exemption.
Can I appeal if my benefits are cut due to work requirements?
Yes, you can request a fair hearing within 90 days of a denial notice. Provide evidence of compliance or exemptions (e.g., medical records, work hours) to your state SNAP agency. Contact your local office or use online portals for appeal instructions.
Conclusion
SNAP work requirement exemptions protect vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, caregivers, and (until 2030) veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth.
Recent changes from the “Big Beautiful Bill” have expanded ABAWD requirements, making it critical to understand and document exemptions. Verify your status with proof, monitor notices, and report changes promptly to maintain benefits.
Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check eligibility, and visit your state’s SNAP website (www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) for guidance. Staying proactive ensures you can continue accessing vital food assistance.