Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements in Georgia?

New national legislation passed in 2025 expanded work requirement rules for SNAP recipients across the country—that means more people have to show proof that they’re meeting the requirements or risk losing their benefits.

But many people in Georgia may be exempt from these work requirements (meaning you don’t have to meet them) and not even know it.

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What does a SNAP work exemption mean?#what-does-a-snap-work-exemption-mean

As of November 1, 2025, if you get SNAP benefits in Georgia and you're considered an "able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD), you may need to show you're working, volunteering, or in a training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month), or earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes to keep getting benefits for more than three months in a three-year period.

None of your months count until the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has screened you for exemptions, if they haven’t already done so. If you qualify for an exemption, that means you don’t have to meet the SNAP work requirements.

You may be exempt from the ABAWD SNAP work requirements in Georgia if you are:

• 65 or older
• Under 18
• Responsible for the care of a dependent child under 14 years old in the SNAP household
• Physically or mentally unable to work
• Currently pregnant
• An American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian, or California Indian who qualifies under federal rules
• Enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school, training, or college program
• Providing care for someone who cannot care for themselves, even if they don't live with you
• Registered and complying with TANF Employment Services, or receiving or applying for Unemployment Compensation Benefits (UCB)
• A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation program

• Chronically homeless, but only if it's tied to specific circumstances Georgia considers signs of being unfit for work, like sleeping outdoors or in a place not meant for housing, you're due to lose your housing within the next 14 days with no other place to go and no way to get permanent housing in time, a sporadic work history, or an undiagnosed health or substance use issue. Homelessness alone does not automatically qualify you.

How do I report a SNAP work exemption in Georgia?#how-do-i-report-a-snap-work-exemption-in-georgia

Once you know you qualify for an exemption, you should tell your County DFCS office. You can report an exemption when you apply for SNAP, during your SNAP renewal (recertification), or anytime your circumstances change.

For many types of work exemptions, telling your caseworker is enough. Georgia generally accepts your word for it unless something about your situation needs a closer look.

Here's how to report that you're exempt in Georgia:

• Online: Georgia Gateway
• By phone: DFCS Customer Contact Center, 1-877-423-4746
• In person: Your County DFCS office

What documents do I need to prove an exemption?#what-documents-do-i-need-to-prove-an-exemption

Some SNAP work exemptions are confirmed automatically from what's already in your case file; others need documentation.

Make sure your information on file is current and accurate, and tell your County DFCS office about any changes that could affect your exemption.

Here’s what you might need for each exemption:

If you’re 65 or older, or under 18#if-youre-65-or-older-or-under-18

No extra proof needed—your age is already on file with your case.

If you’re living with a child under 14#if-youre-living-with-a-child-under-14

Usually confirmed from the household information already on file.

If you’re physically or mentally unable to work#if-youre-physically-or-mentally-unable-to-work

If you can't work because of a physical or mental condition, Georgia may ask for proof—like a statement from a doctor, mental health provider, or social worker. If it's already clear to your caseworker, or you're already receiving disability benefits, you likely won't need to provide anything more.

This same exemption also covers chronic homelessness, but only when it comes with specific signs that Georgia treats as being unfit for work. Homelessness alone doesn't qualify you, but if one of these applies, your caseworker can usually take your word for it unless something needs a closer look.

If you’re pregnant#if-youre-pregnant

Just telling your caseworker is usually enough. Being pregnant qualifies you on its own; no proof required.

If you’re a member of a certain Native American or Alaska Native tribe or group#if-youre-a-member-of-a-certain-native-american-or-alaska-native-tribe-or-group

Self-reporting is enough to qualify for this exemption—you don't need to provide documentation unless your caseworker has a specific reason to ask for it.

If you’re enrolled at least half-time in school, training, or college#if-youre-enrolled-at-least-half-time-in-school-training-or-college

Georgia will ask for proof of enrollment, like a school verification letter or class schedule. This can include a GED program, homeschool, high school, an online program, college, seminary, or a recognized trade school.

If you’re responsible for the care of someone who cannot care for themselves#if-youre-responsible-for-the-care-of-someone-who-cannot-care-for-themselves

Georgia will typically ask you to verify it through a medical source confirming that the person needs care. The person you're caring for doesn't have to live with you or be part of your SNAP assistance unit (AU) for this exemption to apply.

If you’re receiving or applying for unemployment benefits#if-youre-receiving-or-applying-for-unemployment-benefits

Telling your caseworker is usually enough. Georgia accepts your word about your Unemployment Compensation Benefits (UCB) application or claim unless it conflicts with information they already have or otherwise needs a closer look.

If you’re a regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment program#if-youre-a-regular-participant-in-a-drug-or-alcohol-treatment-program

You'll need to provide documentation from the treatment program, like a letter confirming you're actively participating.

How to appeal a SNAP work requirement determination in Georgia#how-to-appeal-a-snap-work-requirement-determination-in-georgia

If Georgia denies your exemption, decides you're not meeting the work requirement, or cuts off your benefits because of the ABAWD time limit, you have the right to appeal. This is called a fair hearing.

How to request a hearing: Contact your County DFCS office, call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746, or submit a request through Georgia Gateway. Your request can be made orally or in writing—DFCS will process it and forward it to the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH). You don't need a lawyer to request one, though free legal help is available (see below).

Deadline to request a hearing: You have 90 days from the date on your notice to request a fair hearing.

Keeping your benefits during the appeal: To keep getting your current benefits while your appeal is pending, request the hearing within 14 days of the date on your notice. If you qualify, DFCS should reinstate your benefits within 5 working days. Your benefits can't continue past the end of your certification period even if your appeal is still pending, so if your certification ends first, you'll need to recertify separately.

If you win: Your SNAP benefits will be restored, including any missed while your appeal was pending.

If you lose: If you kept getting SNAP deposits while your appeal was pending, you may have to pay back any benefits you weren't eligible for.

Free legal help: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Georgia Legal Services Program, or GeorgiaLegalAid.org