Starting December 1, 2025, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) woke up to new rules that change who must work, volunteer, or attend school to keep receiving food benefits. These updated SNAP work requirements represent one of the largest shifts to the program in years—expanding the age range affected, removing several long-standing exemptions, and adding new documentation expectations for many adults.
For individuals who count on SNAP to help cover groceries each month, understanding these rules is essential. The changes don’t impact everyone, but for those who are newly included, knowing what’s required can help prevent interruptions in benefits.
Below is a clear breakdown of what changed, who’s affected, and what you can do now to stay prepared.
What Changed in the New SNAP Rules?
The biggest shift is that more adults are now required to meet work-related standards to receive SNAP. These rules apply to people considered “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs)—individuals who do not have children in their household and do not have a qualifying disability.
Here’s what the new federal policy includes:
• The age range expanded to 18–64.
Before December 2025, the upper age limit for work requirements was 54. The new rules extend the requirement all the way to age 64. That means millions of older adults who previously did not have to meet work criteria may now fall under the updated guidelines.
• A minimum of 20 hours per week is required.
Qualifying activities include:
- Working for pay
- Volunteering
- Participating in school or a training program
These hours must be performed every week, and individuals need to document them regularly to stay eligible.
• Several exemptions were removed.
Previously, certain groups were exempt from ABAWD requirements, including:
- Veterans
- People experiencing homelessness
- Individuals who aged out of foster care
These exemptions no longer apply under federal rules. That means adults in these groups may now be required to meet the same 20-hour workload as other ABAWDs.
• The rules took effect on December 1, 2025.
They apply immediately to new applicants. Current participants will see the new criteria at their next recertification.
These changes do not affect households with children, people with qualifying disabilities, or adults who meet other federally approved exemptions. But for many single adults, the changes mark a major shift in how SNAP eligibility works.
Who Is Now Required to Meet These Standards?
Because the updated age range extends through age 64, many people who were previously exempt from work requirements—for example, adults in their late 50s and early 60s—may now need to document weekly hours.
To meet the rules, adults must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, which breaks down to roughly 20 hours per week. Acceptable activities include paid employment, volunteer positions, or enrollment in school or an approved training program. Many people choose to combine these activities if their work schedules vary.
For anyone who falls into the ABAWD category, documentation is key. States typically require:
- Pay stubs
- Volunteer hour logs
- School attendance records
- Signed verification forms
The specific forms depend on your state’s system, but the expectation is similar everywhere: recipients must show proof of their hours regularly or risk losing benefits.
It’s worth noting that recertification schedules differ by state, meaning some people won’t be subject to the new rules until their next renewal period. New applicants, however, must meet the requirements immediately.
These changes do not apply to individuals who:
- Have a verified disability
- Are pregnant
- Live in a household with children
- Receive certain types of medical or mental health treatment
- Meet other state-specific exemptions
But because federal exemptions for veterans and people experiencing homelessness have been removed, individuals in these groups should check with their local SNAP office to confirm what applies to them.
How These Rules Could Affect Recipients
Policymakers expect these requirements to reduce federal spending on SNAP. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 2.4 million fewer people could receive benefits over the next decade because of increased work requirements. This reduction may occur for several reasons, including:
• Difficulty meeting the 20-hour requirement
Many adults—especially those with irregular shifts, seasonal jobs, or part-time positions—may find it challenging to hit exactly 20 hours every week. If work hours dip unexpectedly, a recipient could fall out of compliance.
• Documentation barriers
Keeping consistent records can be tough for people without stable housing, reliable internet access, or steady employment.
• Limited availability of volunteer opportunities
While volunteering counts, not every community has enough approved programs to meet demand, especially for people in rural areas or places with limited public transit.
• Health issues that don’t meet federal disability standards
Some adults may experience chronic health problems that make regular work difficult but do not qualify as official exemptions.
These challenges are part of the reason many organizations report that work requirements can be harder to meet than they may sound on paper. Even so, many adults will continue to qualify for benefits—either because they already work enough hours or because they meet other exemption criteria.
What Recipients Can Do Right Now
With the new rules in place, staying informed is the best way to avoid gaps in benefits. Here are practical steps anyone subject to the new SNAP work requirements can take:
1. Check whether the new rules apply to you.
If you’re under 65, don’t have dependents, and don’t meet federal exemptions, you may be considered an ABAWD. Your local SNAP office or online benefits portal can confirm your status.
2. Track your hours from the start.
Begin saving pay stubs, volunteer logs, or school attendance records immediately. Keeping organized records makes recertification far smoother.
3. Ask about qualifying activities in your state.
While the federal rules apply everywhere, states can implement them differently. Some may offer:
- Work training programs
- Employment assistance
- Expandable volunteer options
Others may have temporary waivers for certain counties or regions.
4. Don’t wait until recertification.
If the new rules apply to you, start preparing early. Many people lose SNAP not because they don’t qualify but because they don’t submit documentation on time.
5. Use trusted resources.
State SNAP offices, benefits platforms such as Propel’s Benefits Portal, and reputable health policy organizations (like KFF Health News) regularly update guidance on how the rules are being implemented locally.
While these changes can feel overwhelming, clear information and early planning can help recipients avoid disruptions in benefits.
Navigating a Changing System
The updated SNAP requirements mark a major shift for adults aged 18 to 64. For many, meeting the new rules may simply mean keeping track of work or school hours. For others, especially those facing housing instability, irregular work hours, or health barriers, the changes may require extra support to stay connected to resources.
No matter where you fall, remember that many people will still qualify for SNAP—and state offices have staff and tools designed to help. Staying informed, organized, and proactive is the best way to ensure you continue receiving the food assistance you need.
