The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—often referred to as food stamps—provides monthly support to help low-income families buy groceries using EBT cards. While the program ensures access to essential food items, it also includes employment requirements aimed at promoting long-term financial independence. With major updates taking effect in 2025, millions of Americans now face stricter SNAP work rules, especially Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).
Major SNAP Rule Changes for 2025
Expansion of Work Requirements Under OBBBA
A sweeping reform known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA)—signed by President Donald Trump in July 2025—introduced significant modifications to SNAP labor rules. These updates expanded the number of people who must meet work obligations and narrowed the list of individuals who qualify for exemptions.
These changes officially rolled out on November 1, 2025, following a short benefit delay due to a government shutdown. This update reshapes SNAP eligibility, compliance methods, and the overall experience of benefit recipients.
SNAP Labor Rules: What Has Changed?
Broader ABAWD Age Range & Parent Requirements
The new rules widened the ABAWD age bracket, previously 18–54, to now include individuals up to age 64. The policy also eliminates the earlier exemption for parents with children under 18, replacing it with a stricter requirement:
- If your youngest child is 14 or older, you must now satisfy the work obligations.
Removal of Key Exemptions
Prior protections for:
- Veterans
- Homeless individuals
- Youth aging out of foster care
…were minimized or removed under the new guidelines. Although some states may still apply these exemptions situationally, the federal standard has become much stricter.
Tightened Unemployment-Based Exemptions
Previously, states could exempt people living in weak job markets. Under the new rule:
- Exemptions are only allowed in areas where unemployment exceeds 10%, sharply reducing flexibility for struggling communities.
Who Must Meet SNAP Work Requirements?
General Requirements (Ages 16–59, possibly extended to 64)
All general SNAP participants must:
- Register for work
- Avoid quitting a job voluntarily
- Not reduce work hours without valid cause
- Accept suitable employment offers
- Participate in state Employment & Training (E&T) programs
ABAWD Requirements
For Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, stricter rules apply:
- Must complete 80 hours per month of:
- Paid work
- Training
- Volunteering
- Or a mix
- Failure leads to benefits being limited to three months within a 36-month window
These rules end pandemic-era exemptions and are applied nationwide starting November 2025.
Population Most Affected by the New SNAP Rules
The updated SNAP regulations impact 2.7 million households, totaling about 5.4 million individuals. The most affected groups include:
- Adults ages 55–64 without dependents
- Parents with children 14 and older
- Newly included veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth
- Part-time workers and gig-economy earners with inconsistent work hours
- ABAWDs—an additional 700,000 to 900,000 now fall under labor rules
These changes apply uniformly across all states, including regions that previously relied on flexible unemployment exemptions.
How to Prove You Meet SNAP Work Requirements
To maintain eligibility, participants must show they are fulfilling work obligations. This may include:
Acceptable Proof of Compliance
- Recent pay stubs
- Written employer verification
- Tax returns or gig-income statements
- Documentation of training or volunteer hours
Recertification Process
States must notify households and allow time to submit proof. Recertification cycles vary from 4 to 24 months, depending on state policy.
Remaining SNAP Exemptions in 2025
Although rules became stricter, some groups remain exempt:
- Individuals with verified physical or mental disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Primary caregivers of:
- Children under 6 years old
- Adults with disabilities
- ABAWD caregivers of children under 14
- Students enrolled part-time
- Individuals in substance abuse treatment programs
- Residents of areas with 10%+ unemployment
- Certain Native American populations
States may also grant exemptions in up to 12% of ABAWD cases, depending on their allocation.
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Conclusion
The 2025 SNAP changes represent one of the most significant expansions of work requirements in the program’s history. By increasing the ABAWD age limit, reducing exemptions, and enforcing stricter compliance rules, the government aims to strengthen workforce participation and reduce misuse. However, these adjustments place new responsibilities on millions of participants, particularly older adults and low-income workers. Understanding these requirements is essential for recipients to avoid benefit interruptions and maintain SNAP eligibility in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
1. Who is now required to meet SNAP work rules?
Most adults ages 16–64, including ABAWDs and parents with kids 14 or older, must now follow work requirements.
2. How many hours must ABAWDs work monthly?
ABAWDs must complete 80 hours per month through work, training, volunteering, or a combination of approved activities.
3. Are any groups still exempt from SNAP rules?
Yes. Caregivers, pregnant women, students, disabled individuals, and residents of high-unemployment regions retain exemptions.