SNAP Work Requirements Explained: What Counts and Who Is Exempt

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes called “food stamps”) helps many households buy groceries. But for many adults, SNAP benefits come with work requirements.

Understanding what counts as “work,” who the rules apply to, and who may be exempt can help you avoid interruptions in your benefits and know what to discuss with your caseworker.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org is informational only. It does not replace your state’s rules or any official notices. We are not a government agency or application site, but we can help you understand what to expect so you can work directly with your state SNAP office.

SNAP Work Requirements: The Big Picture

Most SNAP work rules focus on adults who are not elderly, not disabled, and do not have dependents in the home, but there are several categories and exemptions.

In general, there are two main types of SNAP work-related rules:

1. General SNAP work requirements – apply to many adults getting SNAP
2. ABAWD rules – extra rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

Your exact situation depends on:

• Your age
• Whether you live with minor children
• Whether you have a disability or medical limitation
• Whether you are pregnant
• Your employment or school status
• Where you live (because states and counties can differ)

General SNAP Work Requirements

Many adults on SNAP must register for work and follow certain rules to keep benefits. These are often called the “general work requirements.”

Who General Work Requirements Usually Apply To

Typically, these rules apply to non-disabled adults ages 16–59 who:

• Are receiving SNAP, and
• Do not qualify for an exemption (we’ll cover exemptions below)

If you are subject to the general work rules, you usually must:

• Register for work (often happens when you apply or during an interview)
• Not voluntarily quit a job without good cause (as defined by your state)
• Not reduce your hours below a certain point without good cause
• Accept suitable job offers referred by the SNAP or workforce office
• Participate in required employment or training programs, if assigned

Your state may call these programs “Employment & Training (E&T)”, “Workfare,” or another local name.

ABAWD Rules: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

On top of the general work rules, some people must also follow ABAWD rules.

ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. It refers to SNAP recipients who:

• Are between 18 and 52–54 (the exact upper age can change and may phase in), and
• Are considered able-bodied (not exempt due to disability or similar reason), and
• Do not live with a minor child they are responsible for

ABAWD rules are federal, but how they are enforced can vary by state and even by county, depending on local waivers and policies.

What ABAWDs Usually Must Do

ABAWDs generally must meet a minimum work or participation requirement, such as:

• Work or work program hours:
  Often at least 80 hours per month through:

  • Paid employment
  • Self-employment (after counting expenses)
  • Approved workfare or work training programs

• Or combine activities, like:

  • Some paid work hours
  • Plus hours in a SNAP Employment & Training program
  • Plus certain volunteer activities if approved as part of workfare

If an ABAWD does not meet the required hours and does not qualify for an exemption, they may be limited to only 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36‑month period. This is sometimes called the “time limit”.

Because rules change, your state caseworker or local SNAP office is the best source for your exact ABAWD requirements and local exemptions.

What Counts as “Work” for SNAP

For SNAP purposes, “work” and participation can include several activities. What “counts” must be approved by your local agency.

Common activities that may count:

• Paid employment
  • Full-time or part-time work
  • Seasonal or temporary work
  • On-the-books wages (reported to your state)
• Self-employment
  • Gig work, small business, freelance work, etc.
  • You usually must report net income after business expenses
• Workfare
  • Working in exchange for benefits under a program run or approved by your SNAP agency or another local authority
• SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs
  • Job search or job readiness programs
  • Vocational training or skills classes
  • Work experience or internships arranged through the program
• Certain education and training
  • In some states and situations, approved education programs (such as adult basic education or vocational training) may count as work or as an exemption
  • College students have separate SNAP student rules, which are different from work requirements

What doesn’t usually count unless specifically approved:

• Informal help for friends or family that is not reported as work
• Casual volunteering that is not part of an approved workfare or E&T program
• Unapproved online courses or classes

If you are unsure whether something counts, ask your caseworker or local SNAP office before relying on it to meet the requirement.

SNAP Work Requirement Exemptions: Who May Be Excused

Not everyone on SNAP has to meet work requirements. Many people are exempt because of age, health, family responsibilities, or other reasons.

Each state must follow federal law but may define and document exemptions a bit differently, so always confirm with your local office.

Common Exemptions From General Work Requirements

You may be exempt from the general work requirements if you:

• Are under 16 or 60 or older
• Are 16–17 and:
  • Not the head of household, or
  • Attending school or training at least half-time
• Are physically or mentally unable to work (your state may require a medical note or disability documentation)
• Are caring for a child under a certain age (often under 6, but age limits can vary by state)
• Are caring for a disabled person or dependent who needs constant care
• Are pregnant (some states exempt at any stage; others may have a trimester requirement—check with your local office)
• Are already working enough hours (many states use at least 30 hours per week or earnings at least equal to minimum wage for 30 hours)
• Are enrolled at least half-time in school, training, or higher education and meet specific student SNAP rules

Common Exemptions From ABAWD Rules

ABAWD rules are narrower and focus on able-bodied adults without dependents. You may be exempt from the ABAWD time limit if you:

• Live with and are responsible for a minor child (under 18)
• Are under 18 or over the ABAWD upper age limit (which may be 52–54 depending on current law)
• Are pregnant
• Are medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment (temporary or permanent)
• Are homeless with documented barriers to work (states may define this differently)
• Are receiving disability benefits, such as:
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • SSDI or certain other disability-based programs
• Are in a substance use treatment or rehabilitation program, if recognized for exemption purposes by your state
• Are already working or participating enough in a qualifying program, such as:
  • Working at least a set number of hours per week
  • In approved workfare, job training, or similar programs that meet minimum hour requirements

Because ABAWD rules can be complicated and change over time, it is important to:

• Tell your caseworker about any health issues, caregiving duties, or other factors
• Provide documents as requested to support an exemption

Quick Comparison: General Work Rules vs. ABAWD Rules

Below is a simple comparison. This is a general overview; actual rules can vary by state and may change.

Use this table as a starting point, then confirm the details with your local SNAP office.

Documents That May Be Needed to Prove an Exemption

To be recognized as exempt, you typically have to tell your caseworker and, in many cases, provide proof. Requirements can vary, but common examples include:

• Age-related exemptions

  • ID, birth certificate, or driver’s license to show date of birth

• Disability or medical limitations

  • Doctor’s note or medical statement describing your ability to work
  • Proof of SSI, SSDI, or other disability benefits

• Pregnancy

  • Note from a medical provider confirming pregnancy and, in some states, due date

• Caring for a child or disabled person

  • Birth certificate or legal custody documents for the child
  • Proof the individual lives with you (lease, mail, school records)
  • For a disabled adult: medical records, benefit letters, or other documentation

• Student status

  • School verification or enrollment letter showing you are at least half-time

• Employment or work hours

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Employer letter stating average hours per week
  • Self-employment records, such as invoices, business logs, or tax forms

• Participation in work or treatment programs

  • Letters or forms from program staff confirming your attendance and hours

Your notice from the SNAP office may list exact documents they want. If you cannot get a specific document, contact your caseworker to ask about acceptable alternatives.

What Happens If You Do Not Meet SNAP Work Requirements

If your local SNAP agency believes you did not follow the work rules and you are not exempt, they may:

• Send you a written notice describing:
  • What they believe you did or did not do
  • The date the change or sanction starts
  • How long the sanction will last
  • How to appeal if you disagree
• Reduce or stop your SNAP benefits
  • Sometimes just for the individual who didn’t comply
  • In some cases, the whole household’s benefits may be affected, depending on state policy
• For ABAWDs:
  • Count months when you did not meet the hour requirement
  • End your SNAP after you use your allowed months in the 36‑month period

If this happens:

1. Read the notice carefully: Check the dates, the reason listed, and the appeal instructions.
2. Contact your SNAP office promptly if:
   • You believe you are exempt
   • You had good cause for missing hours (illness, lack of transportation, emergency, etc.)
3. Gather proof of your situation and send or bring it to your local office as requested.

Deadlines to fix issues or file appeals are usually short (often 10–90 days, depending on your state and type of action), so it helps to act quickly.

Good Cause: When Missing Work May Be Excused

In some situations, states may recognize “good cause” for not meeting a requirement. What qualifies can vary, but examples sometimes include:

• Personal or family illness or injury
• Lack of childcare for a young child
• Transportation problems beyond your control
• Emergency situations (eviction, domestic violence, natural disasters)
• Refusing a job that was unsafe, illegal, or otherwise not “suitable” under state policy

If you think you had good cause:

• Tell your caseworker as soon as possible
• Provide documents if you have them (doctor’s notes, repair receipts, police reports, etc.)

Your local office decides if good cause applies under your state’s rules.

How to Verify Your Own SNAP Work Rules

Because work requirements and exemptions can change based on federal rules, state choices, and local waivers, the best way to confirm your status is to:

1. Find your official SNAP agency
   • Search online for your state name + “SNAP benefits” or “Department of Human Services SNAP”
   • You can also dial 211 in many areas to get help identifying the correct agency
2. Use the official benefits portal or customer service line listed there
   • Look for “.gov” or a clearly official state website
   • Avoid look-alike sites that ask for fees or personal information unrelated to your application
3. Ask specifically:
   • “Am I subject to general SNAP work requirements?”
   • “Am I considered an ABAWD in this state?”
   • “What exemptions might apply to me?”
   • “What hours or activities do I need each month to stay eligible?”
   • “What happens if I miss hours, and how do I show good cause?”

Common Reasons for Delays or Problems with SNAP Work Requirements

People often run into trouble with work rules for reasons like:

• Not reporting changes in employment, health, or household members on time
• Assuming they are exempt but not submitting proof
• Misunderstanding what counts as work hours or which activities are approved
• Missing mail or not opening official letters, so they do not see appointment or program notices
• Not updating address or phone number, causing lost communication
• Not realizing that ABAWD time limits apply in their area again after being waived

You can reduce risk by:

• Keeping your contact info updated with your SNAP office
• Opening and reading all mail from your state or county
• Responding quickly to requests for documents or interviews
• Asking questions if something is unclear

If You Do Not Qualify or Lose SNAP Due to Work Rules

If you lose SNAP because of work requirements and are not able to fix it right away, there may still be other resources to help with food:

• Local food pantries and food banks
  • Many areas have charities and community groups that provide free groceries
• Community meal programs
  • Soup kitchens, senior meal programs, and similar services
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  • For pregnant people, postpartum individuals, and children under 5 who qualify
• School meal programs
  • Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for eligible children
• 211 or local information lines
  • Can help you locate food resources and other assistance in your area

These programs usually have their own eligibility rules and application processes, separate from SNAP.

How To Stay on the Right Track with SNAP Work Requirements

To protect your benefits:

• Ask early: When you apply or recertify, ask whether general work rules or ABAWD rules apply to you.
• Confirm exemptions: If you think you are exempt, tell your caseworker and ask what documents they need.
• Track your hours: If you must meet an hour requirement, keep a simple log of:
  • Where you work or train
  • Hours and dates
  • Contact info for supervisors or program staff
• Communicate changes: Report changes in work, income, health, pregnancy, or household members as required by your state.
• Keep copies: Save copies of forms, pay stubs, letters, and emails you send or receive.

When in doubt, contacting your local SNAP office, county department of social services, or state benefits hotline is the safest way to get instructions that apply to your specific case.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process applications or changes, but understanding these SNAP work requirements, what counts, and who is exempt can help you have a more productive conversation with your official caseworker and avoid surprises with your benefits.