The USDA is changing the work rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning in January 2026. These changes affect how many hours certain adults must work or participate in approved activities to keep benefits. This article explains the new rules, who is affected, common exemptions, and practical steps households can take now.
Overview: USDA work requirements for SNAP starting January 2026
Beginning January 2026, the USDA will reinstate and expand time-limit and work-participation rules for many SNAP recipients. The update focuses on able-bodied adults without dependents (often called ABAWDs) and includes reporting and participation conditions tied to employment or training.
The changes aim to connect more SNAP recipients to work, job training, or community service, while keeping exemptions for those with barriers to employment.
Key changes in the USDA SNAP work requirements
- Reinstated ABAWD time limits: Able-bodied adults without dependents will generally be limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits within a 36-month period unless they meet work or training requirements.
- Expanded work/training hours: Many affected adults must work, participate in workfare, or be enrolled in job training for at least 20 hours per week (or the state equivalent) to avoid benefit limits.
- State options and waivers: States can apply for limited waivers or offer flexible program options, but federal rules set the baseline requirements.
- Reporting and verification: Recipients may need to provide more regular proof of work, training enrollment, or exemption status to their state SNAP office.
Who will be affected by USDA SNAP work requirements
The primary group affected is able-bodied adults without dependents between certain ages. Key groups include:
- Single adults or couples in households without children who do not qualify for other exemptions.
- Adults required to work at least 20 hours per week or participate in approved employment and training (E&T) activities.
- Some young adults and older adults who are not disabled, not pregnant, and not caring for a dependent.
Households with children, seniors, pregnant people, or those with disabilities typically keep their exemptions and are not subject to the ABAWD time limit.
Common exemptions from the new USDA SNAP work requirements
Not everyone must meet the new work rules. Common exemptions include:
- Pregnant people and adults caring for young children.
- Adults receiving disability benefits or who are medically certified as unable to work.
- Full-time students under certain conditions.
- People in approved work or training programs that meet federal guidelines.
What states and local offices will do
State SNAP agencies will implement these federal rules and may offer programs to help people meet participation requirements. Actions states typically take include:
- Setting up or expanding employment and training (E&T) programs.
- Outreach to notify current recipients about new reporting rules and deadlines.
- Managing waivers for areas with high unemployment or other local barriers.
Practical steps households should take now
If you or someone in your household receives SNAP, take these steps to prepare before January 2026:
- Contact your state SNAP office to confirm whether you are classified as an ABAWD and whether you face time limits.
- Ask about local Employment and Training (E&T) opportunities that count toward required hours.
- Gather documentation of work, job search, school enrollment, medical conditions, or caregiving responsibilities that may qualify you for an exemption.
- Keep records of hours worked, training attendance, or job search activities in case verification is requested.
Example: How a household prepares
Maria is a 28-year-old single adult who receives SNAP and lives in Ohio. She learns she may be subject to ABAWD rules. Maria contacts her county SNAP office, enrolls in a local job training class that counts for 12 hours weekly, and finds part-time work for 8 hours weekly. By combining verified training and work hours, Maria meets the 20-hour requirement and avoids benefit time limits.
SNAP is the largest federal nutrition program, and many states already run job training programs that can count toward USDA work requirements. Check your local SNAP office for options in your area.
Consequences of not meeting the USDA SNAP work requirements
If an affected adult does not meet the work, training, or exemption criteria, they may lose SNAP eligibility after the allowed three months in a 36-month period. Families with children and other exempt people are not usually impacted by ABAWD time limits.
State offices will notify recipients before benefits are reduced, and appeals are possible. Knowing reporting deadlines and keeping documentation will help protect benefits.
Where to find help and more information
To prepare and get assistance, use these resources:
- Contact your state or local SNAP office website for specific rules, reporting forms, and waiver status.
- Ask about Employment and Training (E&T) programs, community colleges, workforce boards, and local nonprofits that partner with SNAP.
- Use 2-1-1 or local community resource directories for help with job search, childcare, transportation, or other barriers to work.
Final checklist before January 2026
- Confirm your household status with the state SNAP office.
- Enroll in qualifying work or training programs if needed.
- Collect and save proof of work, training, or exemptions.
- Monitor communications from your state SNAP agency for deadlines and reporting steps.
The USDA changes in January 2026 will affect many SNAP recipients but there are clear steps to prepare. Reach out to your state SNAP office early, document activities carefully, and explore local training programs that can help meet the new work requirements.
