Recent Changes to SNAP Income and Work Rules

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) rules shifted in 2023 and 2024, mostly around work requirements for adults without dependents. The federal government ended a pandemic waiver that had suspended work rules, meaning some people who were not required to work before now face time limits on benefits. The changes vary by state — some states have stricter enforcement than others, and a few have asked for exemptions.

The main change: adults aged 18 to 49 without children or disabilities must now work, participate in a work program, or volunteer at least 20 hours per week to keep SNAP benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period. This rule was always on the books, but it was not enforced during the pandemic. Now it is back in effect in most states.

If you are over 50, have a disability, are caring for a child, or are pregnant, these work rules do not explore to you. The income limits and asset limits for SNAP have not changed — those remain the same as before.

Key Takeaways

  • Adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents or disabilities must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week, or they lose SNAP benefits after three months.
  • The work requirement was paused during the pandemic and returned to enforcement in 2023, though some states delayed or modified how they enforce it.
  • People over 50, those with disabilities, caregivers for children, and pregnant people are exempt from the work requirement.
  • Income and asset limits for SNAP have not changed; the new rules focus on work participation, not how much money you earn.
  • Your state's SNAP office determines how strictly the rule is enforced and what counts as approved work or work programs.

Who Is Affected by the Work Requirement

The work requirement applies only to a specific group: adults between 18 and 49 who have no dependents and no disability. If you fall into this category, you must document at least 20 hours per week of work, job training, education, or volunteer service to keep your benefits past the three-month window.

Work counts as any paid employment, including part-time jobs, gig work, and self-employment. Work programs include vocational training, community college courses related to employment, apprenticeships, and some volunteer positions. Your state's SNAP office publishes a list of approved programs — not all volunteer work or education counts.

If you are 50 or older, have a documented disability, are the primary caregiver for a child under 18, are pregnant, or are a parent or caregiver for someone else, you do not have to meet the work requirement. Students enrolled full-time in school may also be exempt, depending on your state's rules.

What Happens If You Do Not Meet the Work Requirement

If you are subject to the work requirement and do not meet it, your SNAP benefits end after three months. This is not a temporary pause — once the three months are up, you lose access to the program until you document that you are working or in an approved program.

Your state's SNAP office should notify you before your benefits stop. The notice will explain what work or program participation is required and give you a important date to report your status. If you receive the notice and when ready start working or enroll in a program, you may be able to keep your benefits. If you do not respond or do not meet the requirement, the benefits terminate.

You can reapply for SNAP at any time, but you will still need to meet the work requirement to stay on the program. If you lose benefits and then start working, you can report your work status to your SNAP office and request reinstatement.

How to Report Work or Program Participation

Your state's SNAP office has a specific process for reporting work hours and program participation. Most states require you to report through an online portal, by phone, or in person at the local SNAP office. Some states use an automated system where your employer or program provider reports your hours directly.

You will need to provide documentation of your work or program participation — this might be a pay stub, a letter from your employer, a school enrollment confirmation, or a certificate from a training program. Keep copies of anything you submit, and ask for a receipt or confirmation number when you report.

If your work situation changes — you lose a job, finish a program, or reduce your hours below 20 per week — report it to your SNAP office right away. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which you may be asked to repay.

State-by-State Differences in Enforcement

Although the federal work requirement is the same across the country, states enforce it differently. Some states have stricter timelines and more frequent check-ins. Others have delayed enforcement or asked the federal government for a waiver to modify the rules.

A few states have requested exemptions or modifications based on local economic conditions or labor market challenges. Before the rule took full effect, some states paused enforcement to give people time to find work or enroll in programs. Check your state's SNAP website or contact your local SNAP office to learn how your state is handling the work requirement.

The best source for your state's specific rules is your state's SNAP office or the state's Department of Human Services website. They will have the most current information about important date, approved programs, and how to report your work status.

Work Programs and Training That Count

Not all work or education counts toward the 20-hour requirement. Your state's SNAP office maintains a list of approved activities. Common approved programs include paid employment (any hours count), vocational training, community college courses in job-related fields, apprenticeships, and some volunteer positions.

Unpaid internships, full-time school enrollment (unless you are also working), and hobby activities do not count. Some states count certain volunteer positions if they are through an approved nonprofit or government agency. Before you enroll in a program or volunteer, ask your SNAP office whether it counts toward the work requirement.

If you are in a program that does count, keep documentation from the program provider — attendance records, certificates of completion, or enrollment confirmations. You will need this to prove you met the requirement.

What to Do If You Cannot Meet the Work Requirement

If you are subject to the work requirement but cannot meet it due to circumstances beyond your control — illness, disability, caregiving responsibilities, or lack of available jobs — you may be able to request an exemption or hardship waiver. The process and available exemptions vary by state.

Contact your local SNAP office and explain your situation. Some states have formal hardship waiver processes; others handle requests on a case-by-case basis. Be prepared to provide documentation of your circumstances — medical records for illness, proof of caregiving responsibilities, or evidence that you have looked for work without success.

If your state denies your request, you have the right to appeal. Ask your SNAP office for information about the appeal process and important date. You may also find help through local legal aid organizations or nonprofits that information with SNAP matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work if I am on SNAP?

Only if you are between 18 and 49, have no dependents, and have no disability. If you fit this description, you must work or participate in an approved program at least 20 hours per week. If you are older, have a disability, care for a child, or are pregnant, the work requirement does not explore to you.

What counts as work for SNAP purposes?

Any paid employment counts, including part-time jobs, gig work, and self-employment. Approved work programs include vocational training, community college courses in job-related fields, apprenticeships, and some volunteer positions. Ask your state SNAP office for a list of approved programs before you enroll.

What happens if I lose my job?

Report the job loss to your SNAP office right away. You have a grace period to find new work or enroll in an approved program — the exact length depends on your state. If you cannot find work within that period, your benefits may end, but you can reapply once you are working again.

Can I appeal if my SNAP benefits are cut off?

Yes. Your state SNAP office must send you a notice before your benefits end, and the notice will explain how to appeal. You have a important date to request an appeal — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state. Contact your SNAP office or a local legal aid organization for help with the appeal process.

Do I have to report my work hours every month?

It depends on your state. Some states require monthly reporting; others use automated systems where your employer reports your hours. Contact your SNAP office to learn how often you need to report and what documentation you need to provide.