If you are on SNAP, there are work requirements, but it does not mean that you have to have a full-time job to keep receiving benefits. For able-bodied individuals, you must be available to work and take a job if offered, but there are no requirements on how many hours you need to work. If you have a job working at least 30 hours per week, you are exempt from any additional SNAP work requirements, and you are not allowed to reduce your work hours voluntarily.

If you are an Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD), one way of working that will help you qualify is working at least 80 hours per month to qualify for more than three months’ worth of benefits in a three-year period of time. This may include paid, unpaid or volunteer work. It can also include time spent in a SNAP Employment and Training program.

Full-time work is not a requirement to receive SNAP benefits, but there are general work requirements you must fulfill.

Some People Are Exempt From Work Requirements

Not everyone has to work to stay qualified for SNAP. Here’s a list of people who are exempt from the SNAP program work requirements

• Those unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation
• If you are pregnant
• If you have someone under 18 in your SNAP household
• If you are under 16 years old
• If you are over 59 years old

In addition, if you meet any of the following, you may be exempt from the work requirements:

• Already working at least 30 hours a week (or earning 30 hours times the federal poverty income rate)
• Taking care of a child under 6 or an incapacitated person
• Meeting work requirements for another program
• Participating regularly in an alcohol or drug treatment program
• Studying in school or a training program at least half-time

Finally, many states are able to waive the work requirements based on state unemployment levels. SNAP beneficiaries can apply for an exemption to avoid the work requirements during periods of higher-than-normal unemployment.

Work Requirement Exemption Dropping May 11

During the pandemic, the work requirement was dropped. Now that the Biden administration is removing the Emergency Health Declaration on May 11, 2023, the aforementioned work requirements are back in place.

This means able-bodied individuals will need to participate in work-related programs, and individuals without dependents will need to meet the minimum required hours per month to keep their SNAP benefits.

New Work Requirements May Be Coming

A Republican co-sponsored bill was recently put forth that could change the minimum work requirements for participants in the SNAP program. This would include the following changes:

• Increasing the maximum age for work requirements from 49 to 65 for able-bodied adults without dependents
• Limit a state’s ability to waive work requirements
• Emphasize work requirements for able-bodied adults without children

While this bill has yet to pass the House or Senate, it is aimed squarely at able-bodied adults who are not caring for any dependents. Increasing the work age requirement is designed to put more SNAP beneficiaries back into the workforce, and thus reduce the SNAP budget overall.

Conclusion

SNAP benefits are a great resource for individuals and families who need it most, and while there are some work requirements in place, you don’t have to have a full-time job to qualify. There are several ways to be exempt from the work requirements, and many states offer exclusions as well based on the unemployment rates of each state. But if you are using SNAP benefits, you should expect to work unless you qualify for a waiver.