Q.
What is the SNAP work requirement?
A.
The work requirement component has been in effect since 1996. It requires adults who can work, must work, participate in a work activity, or meet an exemption to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Unless an exemption is met, individuals are limited to receiving three months of SNAP benefits during a three-year period.
Q.
What are the recent changes to the work requirement component?
A.
On June 3, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA). FRA changes some SNAP program rules for people subject to the work requirement able-bodied adults without dependents time limit. FRA gradually increases the age of those that must participate in a work activity and expanded the exemption reasons beginning September 1, 2023.
Q.
What are the work requirement age limits?
A.
You are subject to the work requirement if:
- Effective September 1, 2023, you are between the ages of 18 and 50.
- Effective October 1, 2023, you are between the ages of 18 and 52.
- Effective October 1, 2024, you are between the ages of 18 and 54.
Q.
What are the work requirement exemptions?
A.
A list of the exemptions is below.
Note: The new expanded exemptions are denoted with an asterisk.
Note: The new expanded exemptions are denoted with an asterisk.
- 17 years of age or younger
- 51 years of age (as of 9/1/23) or 53 years or age (as of 10/1/23) or 55 years of age (10/1/24)
- Permanently disabled
- Temporarily disabled or unable to work because of a medical reason
- Pregnant
- In a household with children who are under 18 years of age
- Taking care of someone who is sick or disabled
- Volunteering at a public or private agency, such as a school, house of worship or hospital
- Working for pay 20 hours or more each week
- Receiving unemployment benefits
- Applying for unemployment benefits
- Participating in a work program such as WOIA, VIEW, SNAPET, Trade Adjustment Assistance, or Refugee Employment Services
- Working in exchange for your rent or other benefit
- A student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education
- Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
- Homeless*
- A United States Veteran*
- Age 24 or younger and were in foster care on your 18th birthday*
Q.
What should I do if I am currently receiving SNAP benefits and I think I meet an exemption?
A.
Contact your local department of social services and report the change to your Benefit Programs Specialist.
