SNAP Work Requirements: Who Has to Work and Who Is Exempt

Who must meet SNAP work requirements

You may need to meet work requirements if you are all of the following:

• Between 16 and 60 years old
• Able-bodied (no physical or mental disability)
• Not pregnant
• Not living with children

People in this group are called "able-bodied adults without dependents" (ABAWDs). If this is you, you must work at least 20 hours per week to get SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps).

What counts as work

You can meet the 20-hour requirement through:

• A regular job
• Self-employment
• Volunteer work
• Job training programs
• Work-study programs

You must report your work hours to your state SNAP office. Keep records of your employment so you can prove you meet the requirement.

Who doesn't have to meet work requirements

Many people are exempt from SNAP work requirements:

• Children under 16
• Adults 60 or older
• People with a physical or mental disability
• Pregnant people
• Parents or caretakers of a child under 6
• Parents or caretakers of a child of any age (in most states)
• People experiencing homelessness or without a fixed address
• People in a drug or alcohol treatment program

Each state can set its own rules about some of these exemptions. The exact requirements may vary where you live. Check with your state SNAP office if you're not sure whether you qualify for an exemption.

What happens if you don't meet the requirement

If you're subject to work requirements and don't meet them, your state can suspend or end your SNAP benefits. This is called a sanction.

If your work situation changes—for example, you lose your job or your hours get cut—contact your state SNAP office right away. You may be able to request an exemption or extension. Some states have special rules for people who recently lost work.

How to apply for SNAP

Applying for SNAP is free. Your state decides who qualifies based on income, household size, and other factors. Only the agency can determine if you meet all the rules.

To apply, start with SNAP on our site or go to your state's SNAP office. You can also use our SNAP calculator to estimate whether you may qualify based on your household size and income.

SNAP income and benefit limits

These limits apply from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. USDA updates them every October 1.

Who needs to check income limits

Most households must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Households with a member aged 60 or older, or a member with a disability, only need to meet the lower net income limit (100% of poverty).

Gross monthly income limits

In the 48 contiguous states and DC:

• 1 person: $1,696
• 2 people: $2,292
• 3 people: $2,888
• 4 people: $3,483
• 5 people: $4,079
• 6 people: $4,675
• 7 people: $5,271
• 8 people: $5,867

Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.

Maximum monthly benefits

In the 48 contiguous states and DC:

• 1 person: $298
• 2 people: $546
• 3 people: $785
• 4 people: $994
• 5 people: $1,183
• 6 people: $1,421
• 7 people: $1,571
• 8 people: $1,789
• Each additional person: add $218

Alaska and Hawaii have higher maximums. The actual benefit you receive is based on your net income, not the maximum.

Households with 1 or 2 people in the 48 states and DC receive a minimum benefit of $24 per month if they qualify.

Related help

If you need help with other benefits or money you may be owed, see all programs we cover.