What the New SNAP Work Requirements Mean for You Starting February 1, 2026
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| SNAP Benefits Face Major Shift Feb. 1: Expanded Work Requirements Could Impact Millions |
Starting February 1, 2026, significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements are set to take effect across the United States, affecting millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. These updates, part of major federal legislation enacted in 2025, expand who must meet work or activity requirements to keep SNAP benefits and narrow exemptions that have existed for years. Understanding these changes is crucial for SNAP recipients, advocates, and employers navigating the evolving U.S. safety net landscape.
What’s Changing With SNAP Work Requirements?
Under the new rules, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18 to 64 will generally be required to work, volunteer, or participate in job training or approved activities for at least 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility for SNAP benefits. Previously, this requirement applied mainly to adults aged 18 to 54 without dependents — now the upper age limit increases to 64. Additionally, dependents’ age thresholds have shifted. Adults caring for children under age 14 remain exempt in many states, but households with older teens no longer qualify for automatic exemptions based on caregiving status.
The hourly requirement — equivalent to about 20 hours per week — includes unpaid work, volunteering, or participation in approved education or training programs. States typically require documentation, such as pay stubs or verification of volunteer hours, to confirm compliance.
Expanded Work Rules and Reduced Exemptions
These updated work rules stem from sweeping federal budget changes included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law in 2025. The legislation not only broadens who must meet work requirements but also reduces the number of exemptions that were widely available for decades. Key changes include:
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Raising the upper age limit from 54 to 64 for work or activity requirements.
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Narrowing exemptions for parents: only caregivers with dependents under 14 are exempt, compared with under 18 previously.
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Eliminating certain exemptions for groups such as veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
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Limiting state flexibility to waive work requirements, with waivers only allowed in regions with unemployment rates above high thresholds.
State SNAP offices will implement and enforce these rules in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program.
Who Must Follow the New Rules?
The work requirements mainly apply to SNAP recipients who are:
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Between ages 18 and 64,
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Without a dependent child under age 14,
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Physically and mentally able to work, and
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Not exempt for another qualifying reason (such as disability or pregnancy).
This means that many people who received SNAP benefits in previous years under older exemptions now may need to satisfy new requirements starting next month. If individuals do not meet the criteria or cannot prove an exemption, their SNAP benefits could be limited to three months of assistance within a 36-month period.
What Happens If Recipients Don’t Meet the Requirements?
Starting Feb. 1, SNAP recipients who fail to meet the work or activity requirement and do not qualify for an exemption will see their benefits cut after three months of eligibility within a 36-month period. This “time limit” rule means recipients must be proactive in documenting work hours or approved activities.
Some states offer assistance through SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs or community service placements to help recipients fulfill these requirements. Those who struggle to meet the work hours may also qualify for exemptions based on disability, full-time education, or caregiving for young children.
Why the Change Matters
SNAP serves approximately 42 million Americans — nearly 12% of the U.S. population — each month, including many families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
Supporters of the updated work rules argue they encourage self-reliance and job market engagement. Critics counter that stricter requirements could leave vulnerable individuals without food assistance, especially during economic or personal hardship, and strain food banks and community resources already stretched thin. The real-world impact of these changes will likely continue to be debated as implementation unfolds throughout 2026.
What SNAP Recipients Should Do Now
If you currently receive SNAP benefits or expect to apply soon:
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Review your SNAP case details through your state’s SNAP office.
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Document work, volunteer, or training hours monthly.
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Check eligibility for exemptions if you’re unable to meet work requirements.
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Contact local social services or advocates for guidance navigating the changes before Feb. 1.
With these new rules going into effect, understanding and planning ahead could help many SNAP recipients maintain the food assistance they rely on without disruption.
