Food Help

Able-Bodied Adults Without Children Under 14

Starting in July 2025, many adults will be required to work in order to receive SNAP benefits.

Please note: These work requirements are new as of the passage of H.R. 1 (the “Big Beautiful Bill”). The content on this page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Who is subject to SNAP work requirements?

Work requirements apply to anyone seeking or receiving SNAP benefits that:

  • Is between the ages of 18 and 64;

  • Is able to work and has no physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working, and;

  • Does not have children under 14 in their household.

If all of these criteria apply to you, there are some additional considerations when receiving SNAP benefits.

Work Requirements & Time Limits

Federal rules limit these individuals to only 3 months of SNAP benefits every 3 years, unless they also meet one or more of the following:

  • Working at least 80 hours a month, or an average of 20 hours a week, in paid employment, volunteering/unpaid work, or state-approved employment or training programs. You can participate in any one of these activities, or a combination of two or more of them, and add hours together to reach the 80 hours per month requirement.

  • Volunteering through Workfare. Hours from Workfare participation cannot be combined with employment, other volunteering, or training programs to reach the monthly hours requirement.

Exemptions to the Work Requirements

Certain individuals are exempt from the SNAP work requirements and 3-month time limit. In Washington, you do not need to fulfill work requirements if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Under 18 or over 64 years old

  • Caring for a child under the age of 14

  • Determined to be physically or mentally unable to work an average of 20 hours a week

  • Pregnant

  • Living on the Muckleshoot tribal reservation

    • Note: exemptions based on where you live are subject to change over time.

  • Caring for a person who is incapacitated

  • Applying for or receiving unemployment benefits

  • A student of higher education (though student requirements still apply)

  • Participating in a substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program

Have questions about work requirements?

Call the Help Me Grow Hotline today to learn more. A trained specialist will help you better understand your eligibility for SNAP and assist you through the application process.

Available Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm, and Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm