SNAP work requirements are rules that require certain groups of people to work, look for work, volunteer, or participate in job training in order to qualify for food stamps.
The work doesn’t necessarily have to be for a paycheck—unpaid volunteer work or work done in exchange for something other than money can count too.
In July 2025, President Trump signed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which introduces the strictest work requirements in the history of SNAP, into law.
More SNAP participants than ever before will need to work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week or participate in training programs to keep their benefits—and many people who were previously exempt from work requirements will now have to show they meet them or risk losing their food stamps altogether.
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What are the current SNAP work requirements? (2025)#what-are-the-current-snap-work-requirements-2025
SNAP has two types of work requirements: General work requirements and ABAWD work requirements.
General work requirements for SNAP#general-work-requirements-for-snap
Most people on SNAP who are able to work already meet the general work requirements for SNAP.
To keep your SNAP benefits, you'll need to show you're working or actively seeking work, which means you must:
- Look for and apply to jobs
- Join SNAP Employment & Training programs when assigned
- Accept any “suitable” job offers you get, meaning they should pay at least minimum wage
- Keep working at least 30 hours per week—don't quit or cut hours without a valid reason
If you can’t prove that you’re working or looking for work, you could lose SNAP benefits for at least a month.
You can get benefits back once you meet the requirements again. Not following these rules consistently could mean losing SNAP benefits altogether.
ABAWD work requirements for SNAP#abawd-work-requirements-for-snap
If you're an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) between ages 18 and 64 (this range recently changed), you need to meet additional work requirements—called “ABAWD” work requirements—to get SNAP for longer than three months over three years.
You can meet this requirement by working at least 80 hours a month, participating in a work program for at least 80 hours a month, or doing both for a total of at least 80 hours per month.
This work doesn’t have to be for a paycheck—it can be unpaid volunteer work or work done in exchange for something other than money.
This requirement equals about 20 hours per week. You can also participate in workfare for your assigned hours—the number of hours will depend on your SNAP benefit amount.
Under current rules, if you have to meet the ABAWD work requirement but don't, you'll lose your benefits after three months. To get SNAP again, you must meet the work requirement for 30 days or become exempt.
Remember to track your hours and get documentation from your employer or program to keep receiving benefits.
Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements?#who-is-exempt-from-snap-work-requirements
You're exempt from SNAP work requirements if you're:
- Unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
- Pregnant, have dependents or live with someone under 14 as part of your household
- In an area with high unemployment rates where SNAP work requirements have been waived
How did SNAP work requirements change under the "Big Beautiful Bill?"#how-did-snap-work-requirements-change-under-the-big-beautiful-bill
More people now have to prove they’re meeting work requirements than in previous years, although it’s still unclear when exactly these rules will start—they may go into effect automatically for some people, or they may be applied when you go to recertify your SNAP benefits.
Here’s who is most affected by the new SNAP work requirements:
- Adults between 55 and 64: The age range for ABAWD work requirements increased to 64 (it was previously 54) meaning every able-bodied adult in that age range will now have to prove they’re meeting the work requirements
- Parents with older children: Parents whose youngest dependent child is 14 or older will now need to meet work requirements
- Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth: These groups will lose their current exemptions and need to meet work requirements going forward
- People in areas with high unemployment: Going forward, states can only waive work requirements in areas where unemployment exceeds 10 percent, making it much more difficult for states to provide relief in areas with limited job opportunities.
States will also need to update their systems to put the new work requirements into place, potentially delaying the timeline. The Propel app can help you stay up to date with the latest news on work requirements.
