SNAP Work Requirement Changes

Parents and Caregivers 

If you have a dependent child age 14 through 18, you may now be required to meet SNAP work requirements. Previously, SNAP customers with dependent children 18 and younger were exempt from work requirements. 

Older Adults 

If you are between 55 and 65 years old, you may now be required to meet SNAP work requirements. Previously, SNAP customers 55 or older were exempt from work requirements. 

Exemptions

There are no longer work requirement exemptions for SNAP customers who are: 

• Experiencing homelessness.  

• United States veterans.  

• Between the ages of 18 and 24 and have transitioned out of foster care. 

You may still be exempt from SNAP work requirements if you: 

• Are age 17 or younger, or age 65 or older. 

• Are pregnant. 

• Have a physical or mental condition that makes you unable to work. A local department of social services may also determine that other barriers make you unable to work. 

• Live in a SNAP household with a child under age 14. 

• Provide care for a person with a disability. 

• Earn at least $935.25 per month before taxes, even if you work fewer than 20 hours per week. 

• Work at least 30 hours per week for pay. 

• Are applying for or receiving unemployment benefits in Virginia. 

• Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program. 

• Are enrolled at least half-time at a college or university and meet the eligible student criteria outlined in Section E of this document. 

• Are enrolled at least half-time in a recognized business, technical, trade, or vocational school and meet the eligible student criteria outlined in Section E of this document. 

• Are a member of a federally recognized Tribe or meet certain other American Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian criteria. 

• Live in a locality that has received a waiver because of persistently high unemployment (greater than 10%). 

Eligibility for an exemption depends on each person’s circumstances. Your local department of social services can determine whether an exemption applies to you.