Who Is Exempt from SNAP Work Requirements?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families across 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 in 2026, how to verify exemptions, and the major changes now in effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). For a broader overview of the program, see our SNAP work requirements guide.

⚠ 2026 Update: The OBBBA, signed July 4, 2025, significantly expanded SNAP work requirements. Most states began enforcing the new rules on December 1, 2025, with remaining states phasing in enforcement through mid-2026. If you were previously exempt, your status may have changed. Use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check your current eligibility.

Overview of SNAP Work Requirements in 2026

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 (expanded from 54 under the OBBBA). These rules, set by the 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 benefits being limited to three months in any 36-month period, or in temporary loss of benefits for general requirement violations.

The OBBBA cut approximately $186–$187 billion from SNAP over ten years — the largest cut to food assistance in U.S. history — primarily by expanding work requirements and tightening exemptions. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these changes will reduce SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people per month on average.

General Work Requirements

General work requirements apply to SNAP recipients aged 16 to 59 who are considered able to work. They must:

• Register for work with their state employment agency
• Accept suitable job offers when they become available
• Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce work hours below 30 per week without good cause
• Participate in assigned Employment and Training (E&T) programs or workfare if required by the state

Non-compliance with general work requirements can result in a one-month SNAP disqualification, with longer or permanent bans for repeated violations.

ABAWD Work Requirements in 2026

ABAWDs — individuals aged 18 to 64 with no dependents and no qualifying disability — must work or participate in a qualifying program for at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours per week) to receive SNAP benefits beyond three months in any 36-month period.

Qualifying activities include:

• Paid employment at any wage level (including part-time, gig, or self-employment)
• Unpaid volunteer work with a verified nonprofit or public organization
• Participation in SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs
• Workfare (working in exchange for benefits)
• Approved job training or vocational education programs

Important for 2026: A job search alone — without enrollment in an approved training program — does not count toward the 80-hour requirement.

Who Is Exempt from SNAP Work Requirements in 2026?

Exemptions from General Work Requirements

You are exempt from general work requirements if you:

1. Are under 16 or over 59 years old — Individuals outside this age range are not subject to general work registration or requirements.
2. Are physically or mentally unable to work — Includes documented disabilities, physical impairments, and mental health conditions verified by a medical professional.
3. Are pregnant — Pregnant individuals are exempt at any stage of pregnancy.
4. Are caring for a child under age 6 — Parents or guardians responsible for a young child in the household are exempt.
5. Are caring for an incapacitated household member — Caring for someone with a disability or illness that requires significant attention.
6. Are enrolled in a drug or alcohol treatment program — Active enrollment in a recognized treatment program qualifies.
7. Are a student enrolled at least half-time — Students in recognized schools, colleges, or training programs are exempt, though SNAP student eligibility rules may also apply (e.g., working 20 hours/week requirement for some students).
8. 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) qualifies.

Exemptions from ABAWD Work Requirements in 2026

ABAWD exemptions include all general work requirement exemptions above, plus the following. You are exempt from ABAWD work requirements if you:

1. Meet any general work requirement exemption — Any qualifying condition above (disability, pregnancy, caregiving, etc.) also exempts you from ABAWD rules.
2. Are under 18 or age 65 or older — The upper age for ABAWD rules was raised from 54 to 64 under the OBBBA. Adults who are 65 or older remain fully exempt. Note: Adults aged 60–64 are now subject to ABAWD time limits even though they remain exempt from general work requirements — this is a critical distinction.
3. Live with a child under age 14 — Under the OBBBA, the child exemption threshold was lowered from under 18 to under 14. Parents or caregivers whose youngest dependent child is under 14 are exempt. Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older must now meet ABAWD work requirements — a major change affecting many families.
4. Are a Native American, Alaska Native, Indigenous person, or Tribal Member — The OBBBA added a new explicit exemption for these groups.
5. Live in an area covered by a state waiver — States can waive ABAWD requirements in areas with unemployment above 10% (tightened from previous rules). As of early 2026, many states that previously held statewide waivers may no longer qualify under the stricter threshold. Check your state’s SNAP website or the USDA SNAP State Directory for current waiver status.

Exemptions That Were Eliminated Under the OBBBA

The following groups lost their automatic exemptions under the OBBBA and must now meet work requirements or qualify under another exemption category:

• Veterans — Previously exempt automatically; now must meet the 80-hour/month requirement or qualify under another exemption (e.g., disability).
• People experiencing homelessness — Previously exempt automatically; now must document work hours or prove another exemption.
• Former foster youth aged 24 or younger — Previously exempt automatically; now subject to ABAWD requirements.

These groups can still qualify for exemptions if they have a disability, medical condition, caregiving responsibility for a child under 14, or another qualifying circumstance. If you are in one of these groups, contact your caseworker immediately to determine whether another exemption applies to you.

2026 State-by-State Enforcement Timeline

States are rolling out enforcement of the new ABAWD rules on different schedules throughout 2025 and 2026:

Always check your specific state’s SNAP agency for the enforcement date in your area. See our state-by-state SNAP application guides for direct links to each state’s SNAP portal.

SNAP Income Limits for 2026

Even if you meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption, you must also pass SNAP income tests. The SNAP income limits for FY 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026) for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. are:

Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Many states using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) raise the gross income limit to 200% FPL. Use our FPL Calculator to find your exact FPL percentage.

How to Verify and Report Exemptions in 2026

To ensure your exemption is recognized and your SNAP benefits are protected:

1. Submit Documentation Promptly

Provide proof during your application or recertification. Common documents include:

• Medical statement for physical or mental disabilities, or pregnancy (from a licensed medical professional)
• Birth certificate or custody papers for children under age 14 (the new threshold under OBBBA)
• Tribal membership documentation if you are Native American, Alaska Native, or an Indigenous Tribal Member
• Utility bills, lease, or employer letter to verify work hours or address

Previously required documents that are no longer sufficient for automatic exemption: Veteran ID, shelter/homelessness letters, and former foster care documentation no longer automatically exempt you — they may still support a disability or other exemption claim, but on their own they are not enough under 2026 rules.

2. Use Online Portals

Upload documents via your state’s benefits portal (e.g., BenefitsCal for California, mydhr.alabama.gov for Alabama, ACCESS HRA for New York City) or mail them to your local SNAP office.

3. Contact Your Caseworker

Call your state’s SNAP hotline or visit a local office. Find your state’s EBT and SNAP contact number in our EBT phone numbers directory. For California, call 1-877-328-9677. For Texas, call 1-800-777-7328.

4. Monitor All Notices

Check your mail and online portal regularly for requests for work verification, exemption documentation, or recertification deadlines. Under the OBBBA, recertification is required every six months for many recipients. Learn how to check your SNAP application status online.

5. Appeal Denials

If your exemption is denied or your benefits are cut, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial notice. Provide supporting evidence — medical records, proof of caregiving, work hour documentation — to your state SNAP agency.

6. Report Changes Promptly

If your exemption status changes (e.g., your youngest child turns 14, or you recover from a disability), report the change within 10 days through your state’s portal or hotline to avoid overpayments and potential SNAP overpayment consequences. Learn how to report changes to SNAP.

Impact of the 2026 Work Requirement Changes

Research and government analyses highlight the significant impact of the expanded OBBBA rules in 2026:

• The Congressional Budget Office estimates the OBBBA’s SNAP provisions will reduce participation by approximately 2.4 million people per month on average.
• The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projects that more than 1 million older adults aged 55 to 64 could lose food assistance due to the age limit expansion — a group that often faces age discrimination in hiring, health limitations, and limited local job availability.
• The Urban Institute had previously projected that expanded work requirements could cause 2.7 million families to lose benefits, with an average loss of $254/month per family.
• The total SNAP funding reduction under the OBBBA is approximately $186–$187 billion over ten years, according to the CBO — the largest cut to food assistance in U.S. history.

Exemptions protect vulnerable individuals, but the tightening of waivers, the elimination of veteran and homeless exemptions, and the lowering of the child-dependent age threshold to 14 have significantly increased the administrative burden on both recipients and state agencies.

State-Specific Considerations

Waivers: Only areas with unemployment above 10% can receive ABAWD waivers under 2026 rules — a significantly higher threshold than before. States like Illinois and Pennsylvania previously had broad waivers; these are now much more limited. Check the USDA SNAP State Directory for current waiver status in your county.

E&T Programs: States like California and New York offer robust SNAP Employment and Training programs that count toward the 80-hour requirement. Arkansas launched a mandatory E&T program (SNAP Works) in 2026. Contact your state agency or check SNAPtoWork.org to find approved programs near you.

Reporting Requirements: Some states require immediate reporting of changes in exemption status. Others allow updates via online portals at recertification. Check your state’s SNAP website for specific timelines. See how to report changes to SNAP.

Additional 2026 Administrative Changes:

• Beginning October 2026 (FY 2027), states must pay 75% of SNAP administrative costs — a major structural shift.
• Starting October 2027 (FY 2028), states with SNAP payment error rates above 6% will face financial penalties of 5%–15% of benefit costs.
• The Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowance (HCSUA) is removed for households that do not include a member aged 60+ or a person with a disability, which may reduce benefits for some households.

Tips to Maintain SNAP Benefits in 2026

• Document your exemption status early. Submit proof during application or recertification — don’t wait for a denial notice.
• Track your work hours carefully. If you are subject to ABAWD rules, keep written records of your hours and get documentation from employers or program coordinators each month.
• Know the new age-14 child threshold. If your youngest child will turn 14 soon, prepare to document work hours or apply for another exemption before that birthday.
• Stay informed. Review notices from your state’s SNAP portal for exemption requests, recertification deadlines, and enforcement dates. Learn how to check your SNAP balance and track your case status.
• Protect your EBT card. Use apps like ConnectEBT or ebtEDGE to monitor balances and prevent fraud. Change your PIN regularly. If your card is lost or stolen, see how to replace a lost EBT card or how to report a stolen EBT card.
• Check your eligibility regularly. Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to confirm your status and estimate benefits.
• Explore companion programs. If you lose SNAP, you may still qualify for Medicaid, WIC, or the Free and Reduced School Lunch Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum work requirements for SNAP in 2026?

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 requirements, individuals aged 18 to 64 without qualifying dependents or disabilities must work or participate in a qualifying program for at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours/week). Failure to meet ABAWD rules limits benefits to three months in any 36-month period. See the full SNAP work requirements guide.

Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements in 2026?

Exemptions from general work requirements include those under 16 or over 59, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, caregivers for children under age 6 or incapacitated household members, students enrolled at least half-time, and those already working 30 hours/week. ABAWD exemptions include all general exemptions plus: those under 18 or age 65+, those living with a child under age 14 (changed from 18), and Native Americans/Alaska Natives/Tribal Members.

Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth no longer have automatic exemptions under 2026rules. Waivers may apply in areas with unemployment above 10%.

What changed for veterans and homeless individuals under the OBBBA?

Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth aged 24 or younger lost their automatic ABAWD exemptions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These groups must now meet the 80-hour/month work requirement or qualify under a different exemption category (such as disability, pregnancy, or caregiving for a child under 14). Contact your state SNAP agency immediately if you are in one of these groups to discuss whether another exemption may apply.

What is the new child age threshold for ABAWD exemptions?

The OBBBA lowered the child dependent threshold from under 18 to under 14. Parents or caregivers whose youngest dependent child is under 14 are exempt from ABAWD rules. Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older must now meet work requirements. This is one of the most significant changes for families with teenagers.

How do I prove I’m exempt from SNAP work requirements?

Provide documentation like a medical statement for disabilities or pregnancy, birth certificates or custody papers for children under 14, or tribal membership documentation. Submit these during application or recertification via your state’s SNAP portal or in person. For state-specific requirements, check the USDA SNAP State Directory or contact your local SNAP office.

What happens if I don’t meet SNAP work requirements?

Non-compliance with general work requirements may result in a one-month disqualification, with longer bans for repeated violations. For ABAWDs, failure to meet the 80-hour/month requirement limits benefits to three months in a 36-month period. To regain eligibility after losing ABAWD benefits, you must meet work requirements for 30 days or qualify 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 or termination notice. Provide evidence of compliance or exemptions (medical records, work hour documentation, caregiving proof) to your state SNAP agency. Contact your local office or check your state’s SNAP portal for appeal instructions.

Are there programs to help me meet the 80-hour work requirement?

Yes. SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs in every state count toward the requirement. Some states also offer workfare programs. Contact your state SNAP agency or check SNAPtoWork.org for approved programs near you. Arkansas launched a mandatory E&T program (SNAP Works) in 2026. Volunteer work with verified nonprofits also counts toward the 80-hour requirement.

Conclusion

SNAP work requirement exemptions in 2026 protect many vulnerable groups — people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, caregivers of children under 14, and Native American/Alaska Native/Tribal Members. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has significantly narrowed who qualifies for exemptions, eliminated automatic protections for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth, raised the ABAWD age ceiling to 64, and lowered the child-dependent threshold to age 14.

Understanding and documenting your exemption status has never been more important. Verify your status with appropriate proof, monitor all notices, and report changes to your household promptly to maintain access to food assistance.

Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check your eligibility, review SNAP income limits for your state, and visit the USDA SNAP State Directory or your state’s SNAP website for guidance. Staying proactive is the best way to ensure you continue receiving vital food assistance.

Related Resources

• SNAP Work Requirements Guide — Full overview of all SNAP work rules
• SNAP Eligibility Calculator — Check your eligibility instantly
• SNAP Income Limits by State — FY 2026 income thresholds
• SNAP Benefits by State — Benefit amounts by household size
• How to Apply for SNAP Benefits — State-by-state application guide
• How to Report Changes to SNAP
• How to Check Your SNAP Application Status
• One Big Beautiful Bill — SNAP Changes
• FPL Calculator — Federal Poverty Level percentage tool
• Medicaid Eligibility Calculator — Check health coverage eligibility
• EBT Phone Numbers — All States
• Food Stamps for Veterans — Updated guide for veterans now subject to work requirements
• Can Seniors on Social Security Get Food Stamps?

This guide reflects SNAP work requirement rules as of 2026, based on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) and USDA implementation guidance. State enforcement timelines vary. Always verify your current status with your state’s SNAP agency or at fns.usda.gov/snap.