SNAP work rules
Updated November 4, 2025
If you receive SNAP benefits, changes to the federal program may affect you.
As of November 1, 2025, you may need to begin meeting work requirements. If you do not, you may be eligible for only three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period.
These changes are now part of the SNAP program and will stay in place during and after the federal shutdown.
If you are affected by the new SNAP work requirements, you will be notified by mail.
We will continue to update this webpage as we learn more about these new requirements.
Keep up with the new SNAP work rules
The work rules will now apply to people who:
- Are 18 to 64 years old
- Have no children younger than 14 in their households
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
If you are among the affected groups, you are a Time-Limited SNAP Recipient. Each month, you will have to spend 80 hours working, getting job training, volunteering, or a combination.
When you renew your SNAP benefits, we will work with you to see if you or anyone in your household needs to start working to keep getting food benefits.
Work exemptions
You might not have to follow the new work rules due to an exemption if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have barriers to getting or keeping a job, such as homelessness or domestic violence
- Have a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working
- Get unemployment benefits or have applied for unemployment benefits
- Are going to school, college or training program at least 20 hours per week
- Are taking part in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
- Take care of someone who is disabled or ill
- Earn $217.50 or more per week already
- Are Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian
- Are younger than 18, or are 65 or older
- Live with someone under 14 in your SNAP household
You must report on these exemptions every time you renew your SNAP benefits.
Get help meeting work requirements
Employment and training options
Participating in the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program can help you meet the SNAP work requirements.
Learn more about Hennepin County SNAP E&T.
Find resources from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families about SNAP Education and Training and get updates about the work requirement changes.
Information sessions
Attend an online information session to learn about SNAP E&T work and training opportunities. Sessions are every Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Report your work activities
You may already meet the work requirements. You will need to provide proof that you are doing one or a combination of the following:
- Working for pay at least 30 hours a week or earning $935.25 a month before taxes
- Working for yourself and earning at least $935.25 without business costs (before taxes) or earning at least $1870.50 a month and have business costs (before taxes)
- Working an average of 20 hours per work (80 hours per month) in exchange for money, goods or services (bartering), for example working in exchange for housing
- Volunteering or doing community service
- Getting (or have applied for) unemployment benefits
Examples of proof include paystubs, letters from your employer, weekly logs of your work-related activities.
Information for organizations with volunteer opportunities
You can help people meet their work requirements with regular, ongoing volunteer opportunities.
You may be asked to provide proof of community service. View the State of Minnesota's sample work log.