Community Updates & Information

Expanded SNAP Work Requirements are Coming Soon

February 4, 2026 ┃By: LASCO

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) passed last summer made several changes to SNAP. For a long time, there have been work requirements associated with the food program formerly known as Food Stamps. OBBB expanded who must meet a work requirement to get SNAP.

Soon, the work requirement will apply to people ages 18 through 64 who do not have a child under the age of 14 in their assistance group. Previously, it only applied to people age 18 to 55 who did not have a child under 18 in their assistance group.

People might not have to meet the SNAP work requirement if: 

  • They are unable to work because of their health
  • They are in a treatment program 
  • They have a child under the age of 14 living with them
  • They volunteer 20 hours each week in their community
  • They are pregnant


Importantly, the OBBB got rid of the following exemptions:

  • Veterans
  • People who are homeless
  • Former foster youths

This means that unless they have a different reason to be exempt, these folks will now have a work requirement that they did not have in the past.


What to Expect


Notices about OBBB changes have started going to people in the expanded work requirement group, letting them know they may be subject to a 20-hour per week work requirement beginning in March 2026. 

Here's what you should know:

If you applied for or reapplied for SNAP after July 4 2025, you should get a notice in January or early February.
Everyone else will likely be told about their work requirement when they apply or reapply for SNAP.

If you are a work required SNAP recipient but cannot work due to a medical condition, share this information with the local JFS.

If you are subject to the work requirement but developed a medical condition since you last applied for SNAP, you may need to have a doctor fill out a form to give to JFS.

If JFS says you are a work required SNAP recipient and have not met the work requirement, JFS will issue a notice letting you know that your SNAP will stop. Here’s what to do next: 

  • Review the notice’s information on appeal rights. 
  • If you believe the action is wrong, follow the directions in the appeal section and ask for a state hearing. 
  • If you request a hearing within 15 days from the mailing date on the notice, SNAP benefits should continue until a hearing decision is issued. 


When to contact LASCO 

LASCO can help folks who are at risk of losing their SNAP because of the new work requirements. As updates occur, we will post them on our social media pages.