SNAP vs. Medicaid work requirements

If you get SNAP or Medicaid, you may have heard about the new and expanded work requirements for both programs. While there are some similarities, SNAP and Medicaid now have different work rules, exemptions, and ways to prove you are meeting requirements.

SNAP work requirements are already in effect. New federal Medicaid work requirements (also called community engagement requirements) start January 1, 2027, although some states may start earlier. If you already meet your state’s SNAP work requirements, you may be exempt from the new Medicaid requirements.

Here’s what you need to know about each program and what the rules mean if you get both.

SNAP vs. Medicaid work requirements at a glance#snap-vs-medicaid-work-requirements-at-a-glance

Do I have to meet both SNAP and Medicaid work requirements?#do-i-have-to-meet-both-snap-and-medicaid-work-requirements

No. If you get both SNAP and Medicaid and you have to meet SNAP's work requirements, you don't have to meet the new Medicaid community-engagement requirement.

But if you're exempt from SNAP's work requirement, that exemption does not automatically apply to Medicaid. You may still qualify for a separate Medicaid exemption, but you’ll have to go through the process to prove it with Medicaid.

It's also important to remember that SNAP and Medicaid have different exemption rules. An exemption in one program does not automatically exempt you from the other. The programs have different exemption rules for things like age, caregiving, disability, education, veterans, tribal status, and other circumstances.

If you get both benefits, check your exemptions for each program separately and make sure your information is up to date with your state.

How SNAP work requirements work#how-snap-work-requirements-work

SNAP has more than one type of work requirement, but the rule that can limit how long some adults receive benefits is commonly called the ABAWD time limit.

Under the current federal rules, adults ages 18 through 64 who are subject to this time limit generally need to work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 20 hours a week.

If you are subject to the time limit and don't meet the requirement or qualify for an exception, you generally can receive SNAP for only three months within a 36-month period. There are exceptions to this rule, including for certain people who are unable to work, pregnant people, people caring for a child under 14, and certain Native American individuals.

The rules changed in 2025, so some people who were previously exempt may now be subject to the time limit.

What counts towards SNAP work requirements?#what-counts-towards-snap-work-requirements

Depending on your situation and state, qualifying activities can include:

• Working for pay
• Participating in an approved employment and training or work program
• Participating in another qualifying activity approved by your state

Who is exempt from the SNAP time limit?#who-is-exempt-from-the-snap-time-limit

You may not have to meet the SNAP time-limit work requirement if, for example, you:

• Are under 18 or 65 or older
• Are pregnant
• Have a physical or mental limitation that prevents you from working
• Are responsible for a dependent child under 14
• Are exempt from SNAP's general work requirements
• Are a member of an Indian tribe, Urban Indian, or California Indian group covered by the federal rules

There are also other exemptions and state-specific rules that may apply.

If you think an exemption applies to you, tell your SNAP agency. You may need to provide information or documentation to verify your situation.

How Medicaid work requirements work#how-medicaid-work-requirements-work

The new federal Medicaid rule is also called a community engagement requirement.

It applies to most adults ages 19 through 64 who are not pregnant, aren't enrolled in or entitled to Medicare, and are covered through Medicaid eligibility groups affected by the federal law.

If the requirement applies to you, you generally need to complete 80 hours of qualifying activities each month. Remember that meeting your state's SNAP work requirements can exempt you from the Medicaid requirement.

What counts towards Medicaid work requirements?#what-counts-towards-medicaid-work-requirements

You can meet the 80-hour requirement by:

• Working
• Participating in community service
• Participating in a qualifying work program
• Combining qualifying activities to reach 80 hours
• Earning at least as much as you would make working 80 hours at the federal minimum wage
• Enrolling in an education program at least half-time

Who is exempt from the Medicaid work requirement?#who-is-exempt-from-the-medicaid-work-requirement

The Medicaid rules include several exclusions and exemptions. For example, the federal rules exclude certain people who:

• Are pregnant or eligible for postpartum Medicaid
• Are medically frail or have certain special medical needs
• Are parents, guardians, caretakers, or family caregivers who meet the federal criteria
• Are American Indians or Alaska Natives
• Are former foster care youth
• Are veterans with a qualifying total disability rating
• Participate in certain drug or alcohol treatment programs
• Are incarcerated
• Meet certain other Medicaid eligibility or work-requirement exceptions

States may also offer certain short-term hardship exceptions, such as for some people receiving serious medical care or people living in areas affected by certain emergencies or high unemployment.

The exact process for claiming an exemption or hardship exception will depend on your state.