SNAP Work Requirements for Former Foster Youth
Young adults who aged out of foster care used to be exempt from the SNAP time limit until 25. That ended in 2025.
Short answer: Yes, former foster youth ages 18 to 64 now have to meet the SNAP work requirement unless another exemption fits. The exemption for people 24 or younger who were in foster care on their 18th birthday ended under H.R. 1 in 2025. School, a child under 14, pregnancy, or a health condition can still exempt you.
What changed
From 2023 to 2025, people 24 or younger who were in foster care on their 18th birthday (or later, in states with extended foster care) were exempt from the SNAP time limit. H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) ended this exemption when it became law on July 4, 2025. USDA told states to apply the change at each new application and renewal. States switched on different dates, from fall 2025 to June 2026. USDA's October 3, 2025 memo says these young adults are "once again subject to the time limit ... unless they meet another exception."
Exemptions that often help young adults
- School or training at least half-time. This excuses you from SNAP's general work rules and the time limit. College students must also meet SNAP's separate student rules. See college students.
- Working 30 hours a week, or earning at least $217.50 a week.
- A child under 14 in your SNAP household, or pregnancy.
- A physical or mental health condition that keeps you from working.
- Being in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
Programs that count toward the 80 hours
SNAP Employment and Training, WIOA youth and adult programs at American Job Centers, and volunteering all count. Many states also run programs for youth who aged out of foster care. Ask your caseworker or independent living coordinator whether yours counts as a work program.
Medicaid is different
Former foster youth under 26 are still exempt from the new Medicaid work requirement. See Medicaid rules for former foster youth.
What to do next
- Use the free checker to see if the time limit applies to you in your state.
- See what counts toward the 80 hours, including volunteering and training.
- Count your months with the time limit calculator.
- Find your state page for start dates, waived areas, forms, and phone numbers.
- Already cut off? See how to get SNAP back or appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Are former foster youth exempt from SNAP work requirements?
Not anymore. The exemption for people 24 or younger who aged out of foster care ended in 2025. Other exemptions, like school at least half-time, may still apply.
I am 17 and in foster care. Does the rule apply?
No. People under 18 are exempt from the time limit.
Does community college count?
Going at least half-time exempts you from the time limit, but you also need to meet one of SNAP's student exceptions, such as working 20 hours a week or having work-study.
Am I still exempt from Medicaid work rules?
Yes, if you are under 26, were in foster care at 18, and had Medicaid while in foster care. Medicaid and SNAP rules are different.
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)