The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 made a major change to SNAP (food stamps) work requirements: the age limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements was raised from 54 to 64. This means adults ages 55 through 64 who were previously exempt from SNAP time limits due to their age now must meet work requirements or face losing benefits after 3 months. This change affects an estimated several million SNAP recipients nationwide and represents the most significant expansion of SNAP work requirements in decades.
Here is what the new rules require, who is affected, what exemptions exist, and what steps you should take to keep your benefits.
What Changed?
| Rule | Before the Law | After the Law |
|---|---|---|
| ABAWD age range | 18-54 | 18-64 |
| Time limit without work | 3 months in 36 months | 3 months in 36 months (unchanged) |
| Work hours required | 80 hours/month | 80 hours/month (unchanged) |
| Exemption age (general work requirements) | 60+ | 60+ (general requirements unchanged) |
Key distinction: There are two types of SNAP work requirements:
- General work requirements (register for work, accept suitable employment, participate in E&T if referred) apply to most SNAP recipients ages 16-59. These did NOT change.
- ABAWD time limits (must work or train 80 hours/month or lose benefits after 3 months) now apply to ages 18-64 instead of 18-54.
This creates an unusual situation for people ages 60-64: they may be exempt from general work requirements but still subject to the stricter ABAWD time limit.
Who Is Affected?
You are subject to the new ABAWD rules if you are:
- Ages 18-64 (expanded from 18-54)
- Able-bodied (not disabled)
- Without dependents (no children under 18 in your household)
- Receiving SNAP benefits
Who Is Exempt?
You are exempt from the ABAWD time limit if any of these apply:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical or mental health limitation | Documented condition that limits your ability to work; does not require a formal disability determination |
| Pregnant | Exempt during pregnancy |
| Living in a waiver area | Some areas with high unemployment have waivers from ABAWD rules |
| Caring for an incapacitated household member | Providing care for someone who cannot care for themselves |
| Participating in drug/alcohol treatment | Enrolled in a treatment program |
| Homeless | Currently experiencing homelessness |
| Veteran | Some states exempt veterans |
| Receiving unemployment benefits | Exempt while receiving unemployment compensation |
Important for ages 55-64: If you have health conditions that limit your ability to work, even if you do not receive disability benefits, you may qualify for an exemption. Ask your caseworker about a medical exemption.
What Do You Need to Do?
To maintain SNAP benefits beyond 3 months, you must:
- Work at least 80 hours per month (approximately 20 hours per week) at a paid job, OR
- Participate in a qualifying work or training program for 80 hours per month, OR
- Combine work and training to total 80 hours per month
What Counts as "Work"?
| Activity | Counts? |
|---|---|
| Paid employment | Yes |
| Self-employment | Yes |
| Volunteering through an approved program | Yes |
| SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program | Yes |
| Community service through state program | Yes |
| Job search alone | Usually no (unless part of E&T) |
| Caregiving for pay | Yes |
| Gig work (Uber, DoorDash, etc.) | Yes, if documented |
What Happens If You Do Not Meet the Requirement?
If you are subject to the ABAWD rules and do not meet the work requirement:
- Months 1-3: You receive SNAP benefits normally
- Month 4: Benefits stop
- Regaining eligibility: You can regain benefits by working 80 hours in a single month, then you receive another 3 months of eligibility
- 36-month cycle: The 3-month limit resets every 36 months
Example Timeline
| Month | Status | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not meeting work requirement | Received (month 1 of 3) |
| February | Not meeting work requirement | Received (month 2 of 3) |
| March | Not meeting work requirement | Received (month 3 of 3) |
| April | Not meeting work requirement | CUT OFF |
| May | Works 80 hours | Regains eligibility |
| June-August | Not meeting requirement | Receives benefits (new 3-month period) |
| September | Not meeting requirement | CUT OFF again |
Impact on Older Adults (Ages 55-64)
The expansion to age 64 is particularly concerning for older adults because:
- Health limitations are more common but may not meet formal disability thresholds
- Age discrimination in hiring makes finding employment harder
- Physical labor jobs may no longer be feasible
- Caregiving responsibilities for aging parents may not qualify for exemptions unless formally documented
Steps for Affected Older Adults
- Document any health conditions that limit your ability to work. You do not need a formal disability diagnosis; a doctor's note about work limitations may suffice for an exemption.
- Ask about state exemptions. States have a limited number of individual exemptions they can grant each year.
- Inquire about SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs. These state-run programs count toward the work requirement and may offer job training, education, or supported work opportunities.
- Consider part-time work. At 80 hours per month (roughly 4 hours per day, 5 days per week), even low-wage part-time work meets the requirement.
- Apply for disability benefits if your health conditions are severe enough. SSI or SSDI recipients are exempt from ABAWD rules.
State Variations
States implement ABAWD rules differently:
- Some states have obtained geographic waivers for areas with high unemployment
- States allocate a limited number of individual exemptions each year
- SNAP E&T program availability varies significantly by state
- Some states have been more proactive in identifying and applying exemptions
Contact your local SNAP office or Department of Social Services to understand your state's specific implementation.
Other SNAP Changes in the Reconciliation Bill
The ABAWD age expansion was not the only SNAP change:
- Parents with children over 14 may now face work requirements in some circumstances
- Time-limited exemptions for certain populations may have been adjusted
- E&T funding changes may affect program availability
Check Your Full Benefits Eligibility
If you are affected by the ABAWD changes, you may qualify for other assistance programs. Use our free benefits screener to check eligibility for Medicaid, LIHEAP, Lifeline, and other programs based on your income and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the SNAP ABAWD age limit change take effect?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act expanded the ABAWD age limit from 54 to 64. States began implementing the change following FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) guidance issued in 2025.
I am 58 and on SNAP. Do I need to start working?
If you are able-bodied and without dependents, yes, you are now subject to the ABAWD time limit. However, check if you qualify for an exemption based on health conditions, homelessness, or other factors.
Can I volunteer instead of getting a paid job?
Volunteering counts only if it is through an approved program, typically coordinated through your state's SNAP E&T program. Casual volunteering on your own generally does not count. Contact your local SNAP office to find approved volunteer opportunities.
What if I cannot find a job?
Job search alone does not meet the ABAWD work requirement (unlike general work requirements). However, you can participate in a SNAP E&T program, which may include job search support along with training. Ask your caseworker about available programs.
Does gig work count toward the 80-hour requirement?
Yes, if you can document 80 hours of work per month. Keep records of your hours, earnings, and work activities.
What if I have a health condition but am not on disability?
You may still qualify for an exemption. Provide documentation from your doctor describing how your condition limits your ability to work. You do not need to be receiving SSI or SSDI to be exempt from ABAWD rules.
How many people are affected by this change?
Estimates suggest several million SNAP recipients ages 55-64 could be affected, though many may qualify for exemptions based on health conditions, caregiving, or other factors.
