New SNAP Rules Now Active — Here’s How They Will Affect Your Payments
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — widely known as food stamps — has long included work requirements aimed at encouraging economic independence. These rules define how certain adults must engage in employment, job training, or related activities to keep receiving SNAP benefits. As federal policies evolve, these requirements have become increasingly important for millions of Americans relying on food assistance.
Understanding SNAP Work Requirements
General Work Rules for Adults
SNAP applies broad work obligations to most adults aged 16 to 59. These general SNAP work requirements include:
- Registering with employment or workforce services
- Accepting suitable job offers
- Participating in approved training or work programs
Failing to meet these expectations can lead to temporary or even long-term disqualification from SNAP benefits.
ABAWDs: Stricter Rules for a Specific Group
Who Counts as an ABAWD?
The category Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) is subject to much tougher guidelines. These individuals have no dependents and no caregiving responsibilities, and are therefore expected to meet higher standards for maintaining benefits.
Time Limits and Work Hours
A key component of ABAWD SNAP requirements is the strict time limit. ABAWDs may only get SNAP for three months within a 36-month period unless they comply with specific work activities.
To stay eligible, they must complete at least:
- 80 hours of work, training, or qualifying activities per month,
which equals 20 hours per week.
This long-standing requirement pushes ABAWDs to maintain consistent workforce engagement to retain their SNAP eligibility.
Who Is Exempt from ABAWD Rules?
Certain groups are protected from these stricter standards, including:
- Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Primary caregivers of young children or adults with disabilities
These exemptions reflect ongoing debates about fairness and the responsibilities expected of different populations.
State Flexibility and Changing Policies
Variation by Jurisdiction
Implementation of the ABAWD rules can differ from state to state. Areas facing unemployment or weak labor markets may receive federal waivers, reducing the impact of ABAWD restrictions. This balancing act between workforce participation and providing a food safety net has shaped SNAP policy for decades.
New SNAP Work Rules Beginning Late 2025
Policy Changes and Temporary Waivers
The expanded federal requirements officially began in November 2025, but the Trump administration issued a temporary waiver for that first month. Starting December 2025, the three-month countdown (“the ABAWD clock”) began for adults who do not meet the updated criteria.
What Beneficiaries Must Do Now
Impacted individuals must:
- Start participating in required work activities
- Track their hours carefully
- Comply each month to avoid losing benefits after the grace period
State agencies are actively modifying their systems to manage these changes mid-fiscal year — a process involving updated software, caseworker training, and mass communication to recipients.
Continuing Exemptions Under the New Rules
Despite the new mandates, exemptions still apply for:
- Certified physical or mental disability cases
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers responsible for children or disabled adults
State SNAP offices must verify each applicant’s employment status and personal circumstances to determine whether the ABAWD rules apply.
Conclusion
The updated SNAP work requirements, especially for ABAWDs, signal a major shift in how nutritional assistance programs operate nationwide. With new time limits, mandatory work hours, and evolving eligibility rules, beneficiaries must stay informed to avoid losing vital support. As states refine their systems and implement federal guidance, the structure of America’s food assistance landscape is undergoing significant transformation — emphasizing both workforce participation and the need for a reliable food safety net.
FAQs
1. What happens if an ABAWD does not meet the 80-hour monthly requirement?
They can only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a 36-month period unless they meet work or training requirements.
2. Are any groups automatically exempt from ABAWD rules?
Yes. Individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and primary caregivers of young children or adults with disabilities are exempt.
3. When did the new SNAP work rules take effect?
The expanded rules became active in November 2025, with enforcement beginning in December 2025 after a temporary waiver.