USDA Sets New Work Requirements for SNAP Starting February 2026

Overview of USDA SNAP work requirements starting February 2026

Beginning February 2026, the USDA will expand work requirements for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The changes adjust who must work or participate in qualifying activities to keep benefits.

This article explains the new rules, who will be affected, common exemptions, and practical steps households can take now.

What are the new USDA SNAP work requirements?

The revised rule returns the SNAP time limit for ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) to prior federal standards and clarifies state roles in job and training requirements.

Key points include increased emphasis on regular work, job search, or participation in employment and training programs to remain eligible in nonexempt circumstances.

Primary changes in plain language

• Reinstates a 3-month time limit on SNAP benefits for ABAWDs who are not working or participating in qualifying activities.
• Requires states to document and report work participation and exemptions more consistently.
• Allows states to apply for waivers in limited circumstances but narrows the criteria compared to temporary pandemic-era flexibility.

Who will be affected by the SNAP changes in February 2026?

The rule affects ABAWDs first and most directly. These are adults ages 18–49 who have no dependents and who are physically and mentally able to work.

Other recipients may be affected indirectly because states will tighten and standardize reporting and verification practices across SNAP caseloads.

Examples of affected people

• Single adults without children who are not working at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week).
• People who do part-time or irregular work but do not document participation in a qualifying training or job search program.
• Recipients in states that choose to enforce time limits strictly and reduce waiver usage.

Exemptions and exceptions under the new SNAP work requirements

Even with stricter rules, several standard exemptions remain. People who meet exemption criteria do not face the 3-month limit.

• Pregnant women and parents/guardians responsible for a child under age 18.
• Individuals who are physically or mentally unfit for employment and have medical documentation.
• Full-time students and participants in certain education or training programs.
• People in households that meet income or employment thresholds that differ from ABAWD rules.

How state implementation and reporting will change

States will be required to verify work participation more frequently and report outcomes to USDA. This includes tracking hours, program participation, and exemptions.

Some states will expand employment and training slots, while others may use limited waivers for areas with high unemployment or insufficient job opportunities.

What states must do

• Create or expand lists of approved employment and training programs.
• Collect documentation of hours worked, job search efforts, and program attendance.
• Notify SNAP recipients about work requirements and consequences for noncompliance.

What SNAP participants should do now

If you or someone you care for participates in SNAP, act now to reduce the risk of benefit loss. Simple steps can help maintain eligibility and avoid gaps.

• Confirm your classification: Check whether you are considered an ABAWD under state rules.
• Document work and activity hours: Keep pay stubs, timesheets, or signed letters from training providers.
• Enroll in employment and training programs: Seek local workforce programs, community colleges, or nonprofit job centers.
• Contact your state SNAP office: Ask how your state will implement the February 2026 changes and what services they offer.

Case study: How the change can affect a household

Maria is a 32-year-old in Ohio who receives SNAP and works 10 hours per week on an irregular basis. She is not a parent and does not attend school.

Under the new rule, Maria must either increase her documented work to roughly 20 hours per week or enroll in an approved training program to avoid reaching the 3-month limit. Maria works with her local workforce center to enroll in a job-skills course and documents attendance. She maintains benefit eligibility while transitioning to more stable employment.

Practical tips for documentation and compliance

Consistent record-keeping can make the difference when reporting to SNAP offices. Use these practical tips to stay organized.

• Keep a simple work log with dates, hours, employer or trainer contact, and signatures when possible.
• Save pay stubs, enrollment confirmations, and attendance records in a single folder or scanned file.
• Request written verification from training providers or employers for any community-based program participation.

Resources and next steps

Contact your state SNAP office or local workforce development center for details about training programs, exemptions, and documentation help.

Helpful resources include state human services websites, 2-1-1 information lines, community colleges, and nonprofit job centers. Planning ahead reduces the risk of sudden benefit interruptions.

Summary: The USDA changes effective February 2026 emphasize work and training for many SNAP recipients, especially ABAWDs. Know your status, collect documentation, and connect with local job services to stay eligible and transition to stable employment.