Republicans in Congress recently passed major changes to public benefit programs to pay for massive tax cuts for the rich. One of these changes is a new work requirement for SNAP benefits. Many people will lose their benefits! Read below to make sure you don’t lose yours:
Starting September 1, 2025, many adults have to prove they work 20 hours a week to keep their SNAP. If you can’t prove you are working 20 hours a week, you can only get SNAP for 3 months every 3 years.
But there are exemptions:
- You have a physical or mental health condition that reduces your ability to work
- You are earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes
- You have children under the age of 14
- You are at least 65 years old or under age 18
- You are getting a disability benefit like SSI or SSD
- You are enrolled in school or training at least half time
- You are getting unemployment benefits
- You are taking care of a sick family member
- You are in drug or mental health treatment
- You are doing community service hours 20 hours/week
- You are going back to work within 60 days
- You are experiencing homelessness
- You are pregnant
- You are unable to work because of domestic violence
You will be getting a screening form in the mail to see if you are exempt. Make sure to fill it out and send it back to the County Assistance Office right away.
If you have a medical condition, take the SNAP Medical Exemption form to your healthcare provider (doctor, therapist, etc) and ask them to sign it. Return the signed form to the CAO to be exempted.
If you aren’t exempt, you have to spend 20 hours a week working, or you have to volunteer or be enrolled in a job training program. You’ll have to fill out paperwork every 6 months proving that you’re complying.
Stay in the know! Don’t lose your benefits if you should still qualify!
