SNAP Work Requirements for People Experiencing Homelessness
Being homeless no longer exempts you by itself. But many states will excuse you if homelessness keeps you from working, and you can still get SNAP without an address.
Short answer: Not automatically anymore. The homelessness exemption from the SNAP time limit ended under H.R. 1 in 2025. You may still be exempt if homelessness, illness, or another barrier keeps you from working, because states decide what "unfit for work" means. Some states, like North Carolina, say chronic homelessness that keeps you from working 20 hours a week counts.
What changed
From 2023 to 2025, people experiencing homelessness 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 lists "homeless individuals" among the groups that are "once again subject to the time limit."
How you can still be exempt
- Unfit for work. You are exempt if you are physically or mentally unfit for work. Your state sets the definition. North Carolina, for example, says a worker can find a person "obviously unfit" when chronic homelessness, such as living in a shelter, a car, or outdoors, keeps them from working 20 hours a week. No medical proof is needed when unfitness is obvious. Maryland, Colorado, California, Minnesota and Massachusetts also say they consider serious barriers like homelessness.
- A health condition, including mental health or substance use, with a statement from a provider your state accepts.
- Other exemptions: being in a drug or alcohol treatment program, pregnancy, a child under 14 in your SNAP household, being American Indian or Alaska Native, or being under 18 or 65 and older.
If you are not exempt
- Volunteering counts. Hours helping at a shelter, food bank, or other program can count toward the 80 hours if your state can verify them.
- Good cause. If you would have met the 80 hours but missed some for a temporary reason like illness or losing transportation, the month should not count against you.
- Waived areas. If you live in an area with a USDA waiver, the time limit does not apply there. See waived areas.
You can get SNAP without an address
Federal rules say a state may not require you to live in a permanent home or have a fixed mailing address to get SNAP (7 CFR 273.3). Ask your SNAP office about using a shelter or office address for mail.
What to do next
- Tell your SNAP office about your housing situation and anything that keeps you from working. Ask to be screened for "unfit for work."
- 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.
- 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 homeless people exempt from SNAP work requirements in 2026?
Not automatically. The exemption ended in 2025. You may still be exempt if your situation keeps you from working, because your state can find you unfit for work.
Do I need a doctor's note?
Not always. Federal rules say no statement is needed when unfitness for work is obvious. If it is not obvious, a statement from a doctor, nurse, social worker, or other provider helps.
Can I get SNAP without an address?
Yes. States may not require a permanent home or a fixed mailing address. You must live in the state where you apply.
Does volunteering at a shelter count?
Yes, volunteering counts toward the 80 hours if your state can verify it. Ask the shelter for a signed note with your dates and hours.
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)
- 7 CFR 273.3: Residency, no fixed address required (eCFR)
- North Carolina DHHS: FNS 260, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (Change 02-2025, Dec. 1, 2025)