SNAP Work Requirements for Veterans
The SNAP veteran exemption ended in 2025. Many veterans can still be exempt, especially if they get VA disability benefits.
Short answer: Yes, most veterans ages 18 to 64 now have to meet the SNAP work requirement, or they can get SNAP for only 3 months in 36. The veteran exemption ended under H.R. 1 in 2025. But if you get VA disability compensation or another disability benefit, federal rules treat you as unfit for work, which still exempts you.
What changed
In 2023, the Fiscal Responsibility Act added an exemption from the SNAP time limit for any veteran, no matter the type of discharge. 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 veterans "are once again subject to the time limit ... unless they meet another exception."
Exemptions that still help veterans
- Getting disability benefits. You are exempt if you are "medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment." Federal rules say that includes anyone receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits from a government or private source (7 CFR 273.24(c)(2)). VA disability compensation is a government disability benefit. North Carolina, for example, says a veteran getting VA disability compensation at any rating is exempt.
- A health condition that keeps you from working, shown by a statement from a doctor, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or other provider your state accepts.
- Other exemptions: a child under 14 in your SNAP household, pregnancy, being 65 or older, working 30 hours a week, going to school at least half-time, or being in drug or alcohol treatment.
VA and job center programs count toward the 80 hours
If you need to meet the rule, federal rules count "any employment and training program of the Department of Labor or Veterans Affairs that serves veterans" as an approved work program (7 CFR 273.24(a)(3)(iv)). Hours there add to work and volunteer hours.
What proof is usually needed
A VA benefit summary letter showing you get disability compensation, which you can download from VA.gov. Your state may already see VA or Social Security benefits through data matches.
What to do next
- Tell your SNAP office you get VA disability compensation, and ask to be screened as unfit for work.
- Use the free checker to see if the time limit applies to you in your state.
- Ask your local American Job Center about veterans employment programs, which count toward the 80 hours.
- 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
Do veterans have to meet SNAP work requirements in 2026?
Yes, unless another exemption applies. H.R. 1 removed the veteran exemption in 2025. Veterans getting VA disability compensation or another disability benefit are usually still exempt as unfit for work.
Does my VA disability rating have to be 100%?
Federal SNAP rules do not set a rating. They exempt anyone receiving government disability benefits. North Carolina says any VA disability rating counts. Ask your state how it applies this.
Do VA programs count toward the 80 hours?
Yes. Department of Labor and VA employment and training programs for veterans count as approved work programs.
Am I exempt if I use the GI Bill?
Being enrolled at least half-time in school exempts you, but college students must also meet SNAP's separate student rules. See college students.
Are veterans exempt from Medicaid work requirements?
Only veterans with a total (100%) VA disability rating or TDIU. See Medicaid rules for veterans.
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)
- North Carolina DHHS: FNS 260, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (Change 02-2025, Dec. 1, 2025)