What you need to know about SNAP work requirements.

What are the new SNAP work requirements for 2026?#what-are-the-new-snap-work-requirements-for-2026

SNAP has two types of work requirements: General work requirements and what are often called “ABAWD” work requirements.

General work requirements for SNAP#general-work-requirements-for-snap

Most people on SNAP who are able to work already are subject to the general work requirements for SNAP.

To keep your SNAP benefits, you need to:

• Register for work, if asked by your state
• Tell your state about your work or availability to work, if you're asked
• Participate in a SNAP Employment and Training or workfare program, if you're asked
• Accept any job offers you get, unless there is a good reason not to
• Not quit your job or voluntarily reduce your hours (without a good reason) if you're already working 30 hours (or earn $217.50) per week

If you already work more than 30 hours a week or make more than the equivalent of 30 hours a week's worth of the federal minimum wage (meaning you make more than $217.50 a week) you generally don't have to worry about the general work requirements (unless you quit your job or cut your hours without a good reason).

ABAWD work requirements for SNAP#abawd-work-requirements-for-snap

If you are able to work and between the ages of 18 and 64 (this age range changed in 2025), you need to meet additional work requirements—called “ABAWD” work requirements—to get SNAP for longer than three months over a three year period.

You can meet the 80-hours-a-month requirement in any of these ways:

• Work at least 80 hours a month.
• Take part in a work program for at least 80 hours a month.
• Do a combination of both, for a total of at least 80 hours a month.
• Participate in workfare for your assigned hours (the number depends on your SNAP benefit amount).
• Unpaid volunteer work, or work done in exchange for something other than money, counts too.

If you have to meet the ABAWD work requirement but don't, you'll lose your benefits after three months. 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 health reason
• Pregnant or live with someone under 14 as part of your household
• A member of certain Native American or Alaska Native tribes or groups
• In an area with high unemployment rates where SNAP work requirements have been waived

Most people who are exempt from general work requirements are automatically exempt from the ABAWD work requirements too.

That doesn't include people ages 60-64, who may still need to prove they're meeting the ABAWD work requirements even if they're exempt from the general work requirements for SNAP.

What counts as proof for SNAP work requirements?#what-counts-as-proof-for-snap-work-requirements

In order to show you're meeting the new ABAWD work requirements, you'll need to provide documents that prove you're working, volunteering, or participating in an approved program for the equivalent of 80 hours a month.

The requirements may vary by state, but generally, you should make sure you have documents like:

• Paystubs from the last 30 days
• An employment verification form or a written statement from your employer containing the required information
• Contact information for your employer (like a phone number and email address)
• The previous year's tax return (1040 with Schedule C, 1099) if you're self-employed or a gig worker

When do the new SNAP work requirements go into effect?#when-do-the-new-snap-work-requirements-go-into-effect

The new work requirements are in effect now (meaning more people have to meet work requirements).

Most states started checking to make sure SNAP recipients meet the newly enacted work requirements on Dec. 1, 2025, although some states may have begun this process earlier.

It will happen for new applicants when they first apply for SNAP, but for most people, prepare to show proof at your next SNAP recertification.

That means that if you just recertified your benefits before Nov. 1, you may not need to do anything until your next recertification, generally in six to twelve months.

However, some states may apply these rules before a household's next certification. If they do they must provide written notice and an opportunity to submit additional information or verify exemptions before benefits are reduced or terminated.

Is every state on the same timeline?#is-every-state-on-the-same-timeline

No, checking to make sure everyone meets the work requirements will happen at different times in different states, and may even depend on which county or city you live in.

Some states and territories have waivers in place that mean that the new work requirements won't go into effect until a month or two into 2026, including:

• California
• District of Columbia
• Guam
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Virgin Islands

Other states that are starting to check work requirements have waivers in place that mean it will happen later in certain counties, towns, or cities—for example in Pennsylvania, new work requirements are in place everywhere except the cities of Lancaster and Lebanon, where they won't begin until September 2026.