Who Has to Meet SNAP Work Requirements?
H.R. 1 changed who is covered by the SNAP time limit. Pick your situation for a plain answer, the exact rule, and what to do.
The SNAP time limit covers adults 18 to 64 who can work and have no child under 14 in their SNAP household. They must work, volunteer, or train 80 hours a month, or they can get SNAP for only 3 months in 36. Each state started the new rules on its own date between fall 2025 and June 2026.
| Group | Does the time limit apply? | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans | Exemption ended | Veteran exemption removed in 2025; VA disability benefits can still exempt you. |
| People experiencing homelessness | Exemption ended | No automatic exemption since 2025; "unfit for work" may still apply. |
| Former foster youth | Exemption ended | The 18-to-24 foster youth exemption was removed in 2025. |
| Ages 55 to 64 | Now covered | Time limit now covers ages 18 to 64 (was 18 to 54). |
| Parents of teens 14+ | Now covered | Child exemption now only for a child under 14 (was under 18). |
| College students | Half-time exempts | Half-time students who meet SNAP student rules are exempt from the time limit. |
| Pregnant people | Exempt | Pregnant, at any stage; then a child under 14 exempts you. |
| People with disabilities | Exempt | Unfit for work: disability benefits, an obvious condition, or a provider statement. |
| American Indians and Alaska Natives | Exempt (new) | Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. |
| Gig and seasonal workers | Work counts | Gig hours count; 30 hours or $217.50 a week exempts you. |
Three groups lost their exemption. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth were exempt from 2023 until H.R. 1 became law on July 4, 2025. Many people in these groups can still be exempt for another reason, especially a health condition that keeps them from working.
Not sure? Use the checker or read the full exemptions list.
Frequently asked questions
Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements in 2026?
People under 18 or 65 and older, people unfit for work, pregnant people, adults with a child under 14 in their SNAP household, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and people excused from SNAP's general work rules, such as those working 30 hours a week, in school half-time, getting unemployment, or in drug or alcohol treatment.
Who lost their SNAP exemption in 2025?
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, former foster youth ages 18 to 24, adults 55 to 64, and parents whose youngest child in the household is 14 to 17.
Who gained an exemption?
American Indians, Alaska Natives, Urban Indians, and California Indians, as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Sources
- Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1), Sec. 10102: Modifications to SNAP work requirements (govinfo.gov)
- USDA FNS: ABAWD exceptions implementation memo, SNAP provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Oct. 3, 2025)
- 7 CFR 273.24: Time limit for able-bodied adults (eCFR)
- 7 CFR 273.7: Work provisions and general work requirement exemptions (eCFR)