If you receive SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or plan to apply soon, understanding who must work, how many hours, and which age groups are exempt is essential.
This 2025–26 multi-state guide explains everything about SNAP work requirements by age, ABAWD rules, state variations, and how to stay eligible for food benefits even if you face new federal changes.
1. Why SNAP Has Work Requirements
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income households buy food, but the USDA Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) also sets work participation rules to encourage independence and employment.
These work requirements are divided into two key categories:
- General Work Rules (apply to most working-age adults)
- ABAWD Rules (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) with stricter time limits
From 2025–26, new federal updates under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) expand work requirements to more age groups. Some states are gradually applying rules up to age 59 or even 64.
Understanding how these apply by age group helps you protect your benefits and avoid disqualification.
2. Federal Work Requirements & Age Breakdowns
2.1 General Work Requirements (Ages 16–59)
If you are 16–59 years old and able to work, you must usually follow these general work rules:
- Register for work when applying or recertifying for SNAP
- Accept suitable job offers
- Participate in SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) or workfare programs if assigned
- Not quit a job (30+ hours/week) without good cause
- Report any changes in your work status when asked
You’re exempt if you are:
- Under 16 or over 59
- Have a disability or medical condition
- Caring for a child under age 6 or an incapacitated person
- Half-time student
- Receiving unemployment compensation or participating in another work program
Penalty: If you fail these rules, states can disqualify you from SNAP for 1–3 months (first violation) and longer for repeated violations.
2.2 ABAWD Rule & Time Limit (Ages 18–54)
The ABAWD rule (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) is the most discussed SNAP work rule.
If you are between 18 and 54, do not have dependents, and are not exempt, you must:
- Work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month, or
- Participate in an approved training or employment program, or
- Combine activities (work + training) to meet the 80-hour threshold
If you fail to meet these conditions, you may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 36-month period.
Example:
Carlos, age 29, lives alone in Ohio and works 15 hours per week. That equals 60 hours monthly—below the 80-hour minimum. Unless he joins a volunteer or training program for the remaining 20 hours, he will lose eligibility after 3 months.
Upcoming Expansion:
Federal law now allows states to expand the ABAWD age limit up to 59 or 64. Some states are piloting this change during 2025–26.
2.3 Ages 55–59: The Newest Rule Change
The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023 extended work requirements to older adults aged 55–59 starting in October 2024.
If you are in this group:
- You may be required to join SNAP Employment & Training or prove 80 monthly work hours (depending on state).
- States such as Florida, Texas, and Indiana have started implementing this expansion.
However, waivers may still apply in certain high-unemployment areas or for people with medical exemptions.
2.4 Age 60+ and Exemption
Good news for older participants: once you turn 60, you are fully exempt from both general work and ABAWD rules.
You can receive SNAP benefits without participating in job programs or tracking hours—especially if you’re disabled or retired.
Summary Table: SNAP Work Rules by Age (2025–26)
| Age Group | General Work Rule? | ABAWD 80-Hour Rule? | Exemption / Notes |
| Under 16 | ❌ No | ❌ No | Too young for work requirement |
| 16–17 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Usually exempt if in school |
| 18–54 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Must meet 80 hrs or get exemption |
| 55–59 | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Possibly | FRA 2023 expanded coverage |
| 60+ | ❌ No | ❌ No | Exempt due to age or disability |
3. How Work, Training & Volunteering Count Toward SNAP
Meeting 80 hours per month doesn’t always mean having a single full-time job. States allow combinations of activities to meet the requirement.
What Counts as Work or Participation
- Paid employment (wages, salary, or self-employment)
- Volunteering at a community organization (must be state-approved)
- Education or training through SNAP E&T programs
- Workfare or community service assignments
- Job search and readiness programs (in states that allow counting hours)
What Doesn’t Count
- Hobbies or unpaid home work
- Casual or undocumented odd jobs
- School without E&T approval
- Online “self-learning” without verification
Real Example
Maria, age 33, from Oregon, works 15 hours/week (≈60 hrs/month) and volunteers 5 hrs/week at a food pantry. Her combined total of 80 hours keeps her SNAP active.
Always keep proof — pay stubs, time sheets, or volunteer verification forms — to avoid being marked non-compliant.
4. SNAP Work Requirement Exemptions (Who Doesn’t Have to Work)
Many individuals are exempt from both general and ABAWD rules. If you qualify for one of the exemptions below, you will not lose SNAP benefits due to work noncompliance.
Common Exemptions Include:
- Age 60 or older
- Physical or mental disability
- Caring for a child under age 6
- Caring for an incapacitated adult
- Pregnancy
- Half-time or full-time student
- Receiving unemployment benefits
- Participating in drug/alcohol treatment programs
- Homeless individuals
- Veterans or former foster youth (state-specific)
- Living in a waived county or area
Each exemption usually requires documentation such as:
- Doctor’s note or disability proof
- School or caregiver verification
- County waiver list showing your ZIP code
Important Tip: Always report any change in circumstances to your state SNAP office to maintain your exemption status.
5. State-by-State SNAP Variations & Waivers
While SNAP is federal, states control enforcement and waivers. Some areas with high unemployment or limited jobs can apply to suspend ABAWD time limits.
State Examples:
Texas
- Ages 18–54 must meet 80 hours/month work or program participation.
- Exemptions: Pregnant, living with a minor, veteran, homeless, or medically unfit.
- Waivers: Granted for limited counties with high unemployment.
Florida
- Applies ABAWD rule to 18–54, expanding to 55–59 in 2025.
- Participants must join SNAP E&T if not exempt.
- Failing to comply for 3 months = benefits stopped.
California
- Several counties (e.g., Los Angeles, Humboldt) have ABAWD waivers due to unemployment.
- Participants in CalFresh E&T can combine training + volunteer hours.
Virginia
- After 2023 FRA, expanding coverage to 55–59 gradually.
- Waivers allowed in rural counties with limited job markets.
Waiver Rules Summary
| Waiver Type | Requirement |
| Geographic | Area unemployment >10% |
| Economic hardship | Few job/training options |
| Disaster / Emergency | Natural disaster or local crisis |
| Pilot Flexibility | Certain states testing 60–64 rule |
6. What Happens If You Fail SNAP Work Rules?
Countable Months
If you don’t meet work requirements or fail to prove an exemption, the months you receive SNAP are called countable months. After 3 countable months in a 36-month period, your benefits stop.
How to Regain Eligibility
- Start working or training again for at least 80 hours per month.
- Submit proof (pay stubs, volunteer logs, etc.).
- Apply for reinstatement with your SNAP caseworker.
- Once approved, your “3-month clock” resets.
Good Cause Exceptions
You won’t be penalized if you miss hours due to:
- Illness or injury
- Lack of transportation
- Family emergency
- Temporary job loss beyond your control
Example: John from Kentucky missed work due to surgery. He submitted a doctor’s note, and his missed month was excused as “good cause.”
Key Legislative Changes (2024–25 Updates)
| Policy / Law | Change Summary |
| Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 | Expanded ABAWD age from 49 → 54 (2023) → 59 (2024–25) |
| USDA FNS Guidance 2024 | Tightened waiver eligibility; only areas >10% unemployment |
| Veteran & Foster Youth Exemptions | Some narrowed; require new verification |
| Work Reporting Technology | Many states now require online E&T hour tracking |
These updates mean more people aged 55–59 are entering mandatory programs, and waiver flexibility is shrinking — so always recheck your state’s 2025 policy.
Keeping records helps you prove compliance, avoid disqualification, and appeal decisions faster
9. SNAP Work Requirements by Age (FAQs)
A: General work rules start at age 16. The stricter ABAWD 80-hour rule begins at age 18.
A: No. Participants age 60 and older are exempt from all work and ABAWD rules.
A: Yes, but only if it’s state-approved or part of a SNAP Employment & Training partnership.
A: After 3 noncompliant months, you lose benefits until you regain eligibility by meeting requirements again.
A: States can request waivers in areas with high unemployment (>10%) or limited job opportunities, suspending ABAWD time limits.
A: Yes, but you must verify eligibility under new 2025 rules. Each state defines documentation standards.
10. Conclusion & Next Steps
Understanding SNAP work requirements by age (2025–26) is critical to protect your benefits and stay compliant.
Follow these quick steps:
- Check your state’s SNAP website for updates on ABAWD rules and waivers.
- Track your monthly work or training hours with a verified log sheet.
- Submit all proof on time to your caseworker.
- File an appeal quickly if your benefits stop unfairly.
- Stay updated yearly — age rules and exemptions can change fast.
Call to Action
Want to see SNAP work requirement details for your specific state — including county waivers, E&T programs, and local exemptions?
