Author: Feeding Muscatine Voice
On July 4, 2025, new federal law changed who must meet SNAP work requirements. Here’s what you need to know and what to do.
What are SNAP work requirements?
SNAP has two types of work requirements:
General work requirements apply to most adults ages 18-64. You must register for work, accept a job if offered, and participate in job training if assigned.
ABAWD work requirements are stricter. If you’re an able-bodied adult without dependents under age 14 (ABAWD), you must work or do approved activities for 80 hours each month to keep getting SNAP for more than 3 months.
These rules exist alongside SNAP’s other eligibility requirements (income limits, resource limits, citizenship).
What changed with the new law?
The Big Beautiful Bill expanded who must meet ABAWD work requirements. More people now have to prove they’re working 80 hours per month to keep their benefits beyond 3 months.
Age range changed:
- Before: 18-59
- Now: 18-64
Dependent exemption changed:
- Before: Parents/caregivers of children under 18 were exempt
- Now: Only parents/caregivers of children under 14 are exempt
Exemptions removed:
- Homeless individuals must now meet work requirements
- Veterans must now meet work requirements
- People who aged out of foster care (18-24) must now meet work requirements
Waivers are harder to get: States can only waive the time limit in areas with 10%+ unemployment (it used to be easier to qualify for waivers).
Am I affected by these changes?
You’re affected if you’re between 18-64 years old and don’t have a child under 14 living with you.
You’re affected even if you:
- Are homeless
- Are a veteran
- Aged out of foster care at 18-24
- Have older children (14-17)
Who is exempt from ABAWD work requirements?
You don’t have to meet the 80-hour requirement if you:
- Are under 18 or age 65+
- Are pregnant
- Have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working
- Care for a child under 14
- Care for someone who can’t take care of themselves
- Are Native American and eligible for Indian Health Services
- Already meet work requirements for another program (like TANF)
- Are in drug or alcohol treatment
- Are a student enrolled at least half-time
If you’re already working 30+ hours per week, you meet the general work requirements but may still need to prove your hours.
How do I meet the 80-hour requirement?
You need to work or participate in approved activities for at least 80 hours every month.
Ways to meet it:
Paid work: Any job where you earn money counts. Part-time, full-time, seasonal work all count.
Unpaid work: Volunteer work counts if it’s structured and verifiable. The organization needs to track your hours.
Work training programs: SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs, job training, or other approved programs count.
Workfare: If your state assigns you workfare hours based on your SNAP benefit amount, completing those hours counts.
School/training: Being enrolled at least half-time in school or vocational training counts (but college students have separate eligibility rules).
Combination: You can combine any of these. 40 hours of work + 40 hours of training = 80 hours.
If you earn enough money (the equivalent of 30 hours at federal minimum wage, which is about $218 per week), you automatically meet the requirement.
What documents do I need?
You’ll need proof of your work or activities. Gather these before your recertification appointment:
For paid work:
- Recent pay stubs (last month)
- Letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your hours
- Employer contact information (phone and email)
For self-employment or gig work:
- Last year’s tax return (Form 1040 with Schedule C or 1099)
- Records showing hours worked and income
For volunteer work:
- Signed letter from the organization on letterhead
- Log of hours with signatures from your supervisor
For training programs:
- Enrollment verification from the school or program
- Attendance records showing hours
For workfare:
- Records from your SNAP office showing assigned hours and completion
Keep copies of everything you submit.
When do I need to prove I’m working?
If you’re applying for SNAP now: You’ll need to show proof when you apply.
If you already get SNAP: You’ll need to show proof at your next recertification (usually every 6-12 months). Some states may check sooner.
Key dates:
- November 1, 2025: States began applying new rules
- December 1, 2025: Deadline to show you’re meeting requirements
- March 2026: First month benefits could be reduced if you’re not meeting requirements
Watch your mail. Iowa DHS will send you a notice explaining what you need to do and when.
What if I can’t work 80 hours per month?
First, check if you qualify for an exemption. If you have a disability, medical condition, or care responsibility that prevents you from working, you may be exempt.
If you qualify for an exemption: Contact your SNAP caseworker immediately. You’ll need documentation:
- Doctor’s note explaining your condition
- Proof you’re caring for someone who needs care
- Any other relevant documents
If you don’t qualify for an exemption but can’t meet the hours: Contact your caseworker before your deadline. Ask about:
- SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs that can help you meet the requirement
- Volunteer opportunities that count toward the 80 hours
- Part-time work combined with training to reach 80 hours
What happens if I don’t meet the requirement?
If you don’t meet the 80-hour requirement and don’t qualify for an exemption, you can only get SNAP for 3 months within a 3-year period.
After 3 months, your benefits stop.
To get SNAP again:
- Meet the work requirement for 30 consecutive days, OR
- Become exempt (pregnancy, disability, get a child under 14), OR
- Wait until your 3-year period ends (then you get another 3 months)
This is why it’s important to contact your caseworker as soon as you know you can’t meet the requirement.
What if I’m close but not quite at 80 hours?
Talk to your caseworker about adding volunteer hours or training to reach 80. Many organizations need volunteers and will verify your hours:
- Food pantries
- Animal shelters
- Schools
- Libraries
- Community centers
- Churches
Training programs also count. Ask your caseworker about:
- SNAP E&T programs
- Vocational training
- Job readiness classes
These are often free and can help you meet the requirement while building work skills.
Where can I get help?
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services:
- Website: dhs.iowa.gov
- Phone: 1-877-347-5678 (toll-free)
Muscatine County DHS Office: 114 E. 4th St. Muscatine, IA 52761 Phone: 563-263-5717
SNAP Employment & Training: Ask your caseworker about E&T programs. These programs help you meet work requirements and may offer:
- Job search help
- Skills training
- Work experience
- Support services (like help with transportation)
Legal help: If you believe the new rules were applied incorrectly or you were unfairly denied an exemption, contact Iowa Legal Aid:
- Phone: 1-800-532-1275
- Website: iowalegalaid.org
Local resources:
- Mobile Food Pantry: Free groceries while you navigate SNAP changes
- Food Collaboration Group: Can connect you with application help and other resources
What else should I know?
You have rights: You can request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision about your SNAP case. You have 90 days to request a hearing.
Rules apply at recertification: If you just recertified before November 1, 2025, you may not need to show work proof until your next recertification in 6-12 months. But your state may apply rules sooner, so watch your mail.
You can still apply: Even if you’re not sure you can meet the requirements, apply for SNAP. Your caseworker will help you understand what applies to your situation.
Check your exemptions: If your situation changes (you become pregnant, get injured, have a child move in), tell your caseworker immediately. You may qualify for an exemption.
Keep records: Save all pay stubs, volunteer logs, and training records. If there’s ever a question about your hours, you’ll have proof.
Bottom line: These rules are real and they affect hundreds of thousands of people. If you’re struggling to meet the 80-hour requirement, contact your caseworker now—before your deadline. There may be options you don’t know about, and acting early gives you more time to find a solution.
