Rules in effect October 2026
SNAP work requirements: ages 18 to 64 now
A 2025 federal law raised the age for the SNAP time limit to 64 and removed several exemptions. Here is who must work 80 hours a month, who is excused and where the rule is waived.
Two sets of rules
General work rules (16 to 59)
Register for work, join SNAP Employment and Training if your state assigns it, take a suitable job if offered, and do not quit or cut hours below 30 a week without a good reason.
Time limit for adults without dependents
Adults who must meet it get SNAP for only 3 months in 3 years unless they work, train or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.
What changed with the 2025 law
- Ages covered by the time limit18 to 64 (was 18 to 54)
- Parents and caretakers exemptOnly with a child under 14 (was under 18)
- Homeless people, veterans, former foster youth up to 24No longer exempt
- New exemptionAmerican Indians, Urban Indians and California Indians
- People 60 and olderStill exempt from the general work rules
Source: USDA implementation memo of October 3, 2025. The USDA work requirements page (updated July 16, 2026) still shows the older ages and says it will be updated: the memo is the newer rule.
Who is excused from the time limit
People unable to work because of a physical or mental limitation, pregnant people, adults caring for a child under 14 in the household, people excused from the general work rules, and the tribal members named in the law. Your state checks the proof.
Areas where the time limit is waived
For October to December 2026, no state has a statewide waiver. 12 have waivers for some areas: Alaska, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Wisconsin. The other 41 have none.
Common questions
Do SNAP work rules apply to people over 60?
People 60 and older are still exempt from the general work rules. The time limit now covers adults 18 to 64 who have no exemption.
How many hours do I need?
At least 80 hours a month of work, training or volunteering, or a workfare assignment, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.
Are veterans exempt?
Not anymore from the time limit. The 2025 law removed the exemptions for veterans, homeless people and former foster youth.
Sources: USDA memo, One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025: ABAWD exceptions (October 3, 2025); USDA, SNAP Work Requirements (page updated July 16, 2026); USDA, ABAWD time limit waiver status, FY2027 first quarter (in effect October 1, 2026).
Independent guide. Not a government website. Not affiliated with USDA or any state agency. We do not take applications, and we never ask for your case number, card number or PIN. Amounts and rules can change: your state SNAP agency has the final word.