SNAP Work Requirements for Adults 55 to 64
Adults 55 to 64 are the biggest group newly covered by the SNAP time limit. Turning 60 helps with some SNAP rules, but not this one.
Short answer: Yes. Since H.R. 1, the SNAP time limit covers adults 18 through 64. Before, it stopped at 54. People 60 to 64 are still excused from SNAP's general work rules and from required job training, but not from the time limit. You are exempt once you turn 65, or earlier if another exemption fits.
The rule
H.R. 1 rewrote the age exemption in the Food and Nutrition Act to "under 18, or over 65, years of age" (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)(3)(A)). USDA's October 3, 2025 memo says "individuals aged 18 to 64 are now subject to the time limit, unless they meet another exception." Each state started on its own date between fall 2025 and June 2026.
If you are 60 to 64
- You are still exempt from SNAP's general work rules, which cover ages 16 to 59 (7 CFR 273.7(b)(1)(i)).
- USDA says states may not require you to take part in SNAP Employment and Training.
- You still count as "elderly" for SNAP, so you keep things like the medical expense deduction and no cap on the shelter deduction.
- But the time limit applies: 80 hours a month of work, volunteering, or training, or only 3 months of SNAP in 36, unless another exemption fits.
Exemptions that often help older adults
- A health condition that keeps you from working, including getting Social Security disability, SSI, VA disability, workers' comp, or private disability benefits.
- Caring for someone who cannot care for themselves, such as a spouse or parent.
- A child under 14 in your SNAP household, such as a grandchild you are raising.
- Working 30 hours a week, or earning at least $217.50 a week.
- Going to school at least half-time. SNAP's student rules only apply to ages 18 to 49, so they do not limit you.
- Getting unemployment benefits, or being American Indian or Alaska Native.
What to do next
- Use the free checker to see if the time limit applies to you in your state.
- If a health condition limits your work, ask your SNAP office to screen you as unfit for work.
- See what counts toward the 80 hours, including volunteering and training.
- Count your months with the time limit calculator.
- Already cut off? See how to get SNAP back or appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Do people over 60 have to meet SNAP work requirements?
People 60 to 64 do not have to meet SNAP's general work rules, but they are now covered by the 3-month time limit unless another exemption applies. At 65 you are exempt.
What is the SNAP work requirement age limit in 2026?
The time limit covers ages 18 through 64. The general work rules cover ages 16 through 59.
I am 62 and take care of my wife. Am I exempt?
Likely yes, if she cannot care for herself. Caring for an incapacitated person excuses you from the general work rules, which also exempts you from the time limit. Your state decides who counts as incapacitated.
Can my state make me join a job training program at 60?
No. USDA says states may not require people 60 to 64 to take part in SNAP Employment and Training. You can still join by choice, and those hours count.
Does this affect my Medicaid?
If your household gets SNAP and you are subject to the SNAP time limit, CMS says you are excluded from the new Medicaid work requirement. See Medicaid rules for SNAP households.
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 273.7: Work provisions and general work requirement exemptions (eCFR)
- 7 CFR 273.24: Time limit for able-bodied adults (eCFR)
- 7 CFR 273.5: Students (eCFR)