Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements in Texas?
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New national legislation passed in 2025 expanded work requirement rules for SNAP recipients across the country—that means more people have to show proof they’re meeting the requirements or risk losing their benefits.
But many people in Texas 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
A SNAP work exemption means you don’t have to meet SNAP work requirements in order to keep getting your monthly deposit.
As of October 1, 2025, Texas began applying new SNAP work rules for “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) under federal law. If you get SNAP benefits in Texas and you're an ABAWD between 18 and 64, you need to show you're working, participating in a work program, or some combination of both for at least 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) to keep getting benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.
None of your months count until the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has screened you for exemptions, which happens when you apply and at each renewal. 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 Texas if you are:
- 65 or older
- Under 18
- Pregnant
- Living with a household member under 14
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Taking care of a child under 6 years old, or caring for a household member who can't care for themselves
- An American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian, or California Indian who qualifies under federal rules
- Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
- A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation program
- Enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school or training program
- Meeting the work rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Living in a Texas county that doesn't offer SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services
- Working or self-employed at least 30 hours a week, or earning equivalent wages
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care used to be part of this list but are no longer automatically exempt and will now need to meet these work requirements.
How do I report a SNAP work exemption in Texas?#how-do-i-report-a-snap-work-exemption-in-texas
Once you know you qualify for an exemption, you should tell Texas HHSC. You can report an exemption when you apply for SNAP, during your SNAP renewal (recertification), or anytime your circumstances change.
For many exemptions, telling your caseworker is enough. Texas generally accepts your word for it unless something about your situation needs a closer look, or the exemption specifically requires documentation (see more in the list below).
Here’s how to report that you’re exempt in Texas:
- Online: YourTexasBenefits.com
- By phone: 2-1-1 (or 1-877-541-7905 if you can't reach someone at 2-1-1)
- In person: Your local HHSC benefits office
What documents do I need to prove an exemption?#what-documents-do-i-need-to-prove-an-exemption
Some 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 the state 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 household member under 14#if-youre-living-with-a-household-member-under-14
Usually confirmed from the household information already on file. This applies even if it's not your own child.
If you’re physically or mentally unable to work#if-youre-physically-or-mentally-unable-to-work
If it's not obvious to your caseworker, you'll need a statement from a doctor or other medical professional ( Form H1836-A). Already receiving disability benefits from a government or private source, including VA non-service-connected disability benefits, qualifies you on its own (VA service-connected disability benefits must be 100% to qualify for this exemption).
If you’re pregnant#if-youre-pregnant
Texas asks for documentation of your pregnancy—a form called Report of Pregnancy ( Form H3037), or another document with the same information, completed by a doctor, nurse, advanced nurse practitioner, or other medical professional.
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 usually 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 or a training program#if-youre-enrolled-at-least-half-time-in-school-or-a-training-program
Tell your caseworker you're enrolled at least half-time, and they'll let you know if they need anything more.
If you're caring for a household member who can't care for themselves#if-youre-caring-for-a-household-member-who-cant-care-for-themselves
You'll need a doctor's statement (Form H1836-B) confirming the person's condition and how much care they need.
If you're receiving or applying for unemployment benefits#if-youre-receiving-or-applying-for-unemployment-benefits
Telling your caseworker that you're receiving or have applied for unemployment compensation is generally enough.
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
Telling your caseworker you're a regular participant (as a resident or outpatient) in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program is generally enough, unless they need more information for your specific situation.
What if I have good cause for missing my hours?#what-if-i-have-good-cause-for-missing-my-hours
In Texas, “good cause” is different from an exemption. If you're not exempt, you still have to meet your work hours each month—but if you miss them for reasons beyond your control, like illness, a household emergency, lack of transportation, a change of job, unavailable childcare, or being a survivor of family violence, Texas can excuse that specific month for “good cause.”
You generally have 10 days after HHSC notifies you of a problem to explain your good cause reason, so tell your caseworker right away.
How to appeal a SNAP work requirement determination in Texas#how-to-appeal-a-snap-work-requirement-determination-in-texas
If Texas denies your exemption, determines 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 local HHSC office or call 2-1-1 and ask for a fair hearing. Your request can be made in person, over the telephone, or in writing. 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 of the HHSC action 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 13 days of the date on your notice. 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: Search TexasLawHelp.org for a legal aid office near you, or contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, or Lone Star Legal Aid.
