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SNAP work requirements—rules that require some people to work, volunteer, or take part in training programs to receive food stamps—changed when the "Big Beautiful Bill,” also called the reconciliation bill, was signed into law in July 2025.
More people will have to meet these requirements in order to receive their food stamp benefits for longer than three months over three years.
The new work requirement rules technically went into effect right away, but states may not implement them until late 2025 or even 2026 in some cases. If you think these changes affect you, contact your local SNAP office to understand what you need to do and when.
Who doesn’t have to meet SNAP work requirements?#who-doesnt-have-to-meet-snap-work-requirements
General work requirements for most SNAP participants aged 16-59 haven’t changed with the new legislation. You are still exempt from general work requirements if you’re:
- Working at least 30 hours per week or earning the equivalent of 30 hours of minimum-wage work per week
- Meeting work requirements for another program like TANF (also called cash assistance or welfare) or Unemployment Insurance
- Caring for children under six or someone with a disability
- Participating regularly in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program
- Enrolled in school or a training program at least half-time
However, work requirements for “able-bodied adults without dependents” (commonly referred to as ABAWDs) just got stricter. Now, you’re only exempt from ABAWD work requirements if you're:
- 65 or older
- Caring for someone younger than 14 in your household
- Unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
- Currently pregnant
For the first time, able-bodied adults aged 55 to 64 and caretakers for kids 14 and older will have to meet the 20-hour-per-week work, volunteering, or training requirement (often called “time limits”). Until now, these requirements only applied to adults aged 18 to 54.
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Additional SNAP work requirement exemptions#additional-snap-work-requirement-exemptions
Some Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Indigenous People, and Tribal Members are now exempt from SNAP work requirements and time limits under updated federal rules.
You may qualify for this exemption if you fall into one of these groups:
- A member of a federally recognized Indian tribe
- An Alaska Native or part of a federally recognized Alaska Native community
- An “Urban Indian,” meaning you live in or near a city and are part of a Tribal or Indigenous community (regardless of whether you live on a reservation)
- A “California Indian,” including members of federally recognized tribes or certain descendants recognized by their community
Your state may ask for documentation to confirm your eligibility for this exemption. For official details and help confirming if you qualify, contact your local SNAP office or tribal services office.
Who has to meet ABAWD work requirements for SNAP?#who-has-to-meet-abawd-work-requirements-for-snap
You may need to meet the SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults even if you were previously exempt. Prepare to show proof that you’re meeting ABWAD work requirements if you’re:
- Age 18-64
- Caring for a dependent age 14 or older
- A veteran
- Experiencing homelessness
- Formerly in foster care (generally age 24 or younger if you were in foster care on or after your 18th birthday—age limits can vary by state)
If you’re in one of these groups, you can meet the work requirements by:
- Working or volunteering at least 80 hours per month in exchange for pay, unpaid, or in exchange for goods or services
- Participating in a work program (SNAP Employment and Training or another federal, state, or local work program) for 80 hours per month
- Working and participating in a work program for a combined total of at least 80 hours per month
- Participating in workfare for your assigned hours—the number of hours will depend on your benefit amount
