SNAP Work Requirements

HOW FEDERAL CHANGES TO ABAWD WORK REQUIREMENTS IMPACT YOU
 

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UPDATE: SNAP ABAWD WORK REQUIREMENTS IMPLEMENTATION STARTS ON JUNE 1, 2026
 

This is a change from the previously communicated May 1, 2026 start date to ensure DHS is ready to provide the best possible service to customers. Based on the importance and complexity of the federal changes to SNAP, DHS expanded our staff training which will delay our implementation.
 

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What You Need to Know

Due to recent changes in federal law, the District of Columbia (DC) will begin checking whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers need to meet new work requirements to keep their SNAP benefits starting on June 1, 2026. The work requirements apply to SNAP customers who meet the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) and do not qualify for an exemption from work requirements. People who are subject to the work requirements and do not meet them will only be allowed to get SNAP for three months in a 36-month period. 

Starting June 1, whenever you apply or recertify for SNAP benefits, the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) will ask you questions to determine whether you need to meet ABAWD work requirements or if you qualify for an exemption. Once DHS notifies you that you must follow ABAWD work requirements, you will need to start meeting those requirements and reporting to DHS right away.

What You Can Do Right Now 

While no new action is required to keep your SNAP benefits until DHS notifies you that you must follow ABAWD work requirements, if you believe you will be impacted by the changes that begin June 1, 2026, we strongly recommend taking the following actions:

• Need help looking for work or work activities? SNAP customers can seek SNAP E&T services any time you are interested. Please call our office at (202) 535-1178 or e-mail us at [email protected] to get started. Services are currently being offered both in-person and remotely. Our staff is available to assist Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM. For additional information on SNAP benefits and application options, click here or contact the Call Center at (202) 727-5355. If you have both SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, please ensure you are meeting your TANF work requirements. Customers meeting TANF work requirements are exempt from SNAP work requirements.
• Get ready to show proof of your hours spent participating in a work activity (paid and/or volunteer) and earnings received from current work and/or training. On June 1, DHS will be launching the SNAP Work Requirements Screening Form and the Verification of Employment or Qualifying Work Activity Form. Mark your calendars to check the website on June 1.
• Make sure DHS has your latest info on file, including phone number, address, and household circumstances. Updates can be made via District Direct, in person, or by mail/fax. Access forms on District Direct, in service centers, and online.
• Open and read all mail from DHS. DHS regularly sends information to all SNAP households about SNAP work requirements, exemptions, and activities to meet work requirements.
• Respond right away if DHS asks you for information.

For SNAP customers: the next time you apply for recertification, on or after June 1, DHS will determine if you need to meet ABAWD work requirements or qualify for an exemption. If you need to meet ABAWD work requirements, DHS will send you a notice of:

• Who in your household needs to meet ABAWD work requirements; and
• Provide different ways you can meet work requirements. More information on how to meet requirements is listed in the FAQs below.

For customers applying for SNAP: starting June 1, DHS will determine if you need to meet ABAWD work requirements or qualify for an exemption at the time of your application.

More information on how to meet requirements is listed in the FAQ below.

Learn more and stay informed about upcoming SNAP work requirements on this web page and by following us at DCHumanServ on X and Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I an ABAWD?

You are an ABAWD if you are between the ages 18-64 years old and do not meet an exemption.

Examples of exemptions: having a disability or other mental/physical barriers to work, being pregnant, receiving TANF or unemployment benefits, or living with a child under age 14. (A list of exemptions can be found in question 4.)

Starting June 1, 2026, if you are told by DHS that you are an ABAWD and do not meet an exemption, and you do not meet the work rules, you can only get SNAP for three months in a three year‑period.

Note: SNAP also has General Work Requirements (GWR) that already exist in DC. If you are exempt from GWR, then you are also exempt from the ABAWD work requirements.

Example

John needs to renew his benefits on July 1, 2026. Because this date is after June 1, 2026, DHS will check his work hours and any reasons he may not have to work. If John works less than twenty hours a week, or less than 80 hours a month, he must tell DHS about any changes.

2. I received a notice about work requirements. Does this mean I am now subject to ABAWD work requirements?

In January 2026, DHS sent all SNAP heads of households a letter about new SNAP work requirements starting on June 1, 2026. If you are an adult between ages of 18-64 years old with no children and do not meet an exemption, then the new work requirements might affect you. You can start getting ready now.

These and other notices sent before June 1, 2026 explain the ABAWD work requirements to help you get ready, but they do not mean the requirements already apply to you.

• If you are a SNAP customer, starting June 1, 2026, the next time you recertify DHS will determine if you need to meet ABAWD work requirements or qualify for an exemption. Then, DHS will send you a notice explaining which household members need to meet which work requirements.
• If you are applying for SNAP, starting June 1, 2026, DHS will determine if you need to meet ABAWD work requirements or qualify for an exemption at the time of your application.

Note: If you believe you will be impacted by the changes that begin June 1, 2026, we strongly recommend that you start looking for work or work activities. You will be able to submit proof of work exemptions or work compliance by completing the SNAP Work Requirement Screening Form, available starting June 1, 2026, on the District Direct website or mobile app, or submit by paper in-person, by fax, or mail.

3. What changes must I report?

You must report the changes below within 10 days of the end of the month when the change happens. If the change occurs with fewer than 10 days left in the month, you must report it within 10 days of the date it happened.

• Your household’s total income goes over the limit shown on your last SNAP application.
• Any reduction in work hours that brings a household member subject to the ABAWD work requirement and time limit below 20 hours a week, or 80 hours averaged monthly. This includes one of the following or a combination of the following:
  • Employment at a job where the customer receives money for their work
  • Self-employment
  • In-kind or working in exchange for goods or services
  • Unpaid work
• A member of your household won a substantial lottery or gambling winning with a cash prize from a single game that is over the asset limit for elderly or disabled households, regardless of whether the household has an elderly or disabled member.

4. Who is exempt from ABAWD Work Requirements starting June 1?

SNAP work requirement exemptions allow certain people to continue receiving SNAP without having to meet mandatory work or employment and training activities. These exemptions are designed to protect groups who may have limited ability to work—such as people with disabilities, older adults, or parents of young children—from losing benefits after the ABAWD three-month limit.

You may be exempt if any of the following apply:

Age

• Under 18.
• 65 or older.

Health, Pregnancy, or Related Special Conditions

• Physical or mental health conditions make it difficult for you to work 20 hours per week. Requires verification (proof).
• Pregnant.
• In a substance abuse treatment program (you can report by having an allowable professional complete the SNAP Medical Report form available June 1, 2026).
• Receiving disability-related benefits such as SSDI, SSI, workers’ compensation, or veterans’ disability benefits. Requires verification (proof).

Employment or Education

• Working 30+ hours per week. Requires verification (proof).
• Earning more than $217.50 per week before taxes.
• Enrolled at least half‑time in school, training, higher education, or a federally recognized refugee program. Requires verification (proof).

Caretaker Responsibilities

• Living in a SNAP household with a child under 14.
• Caring for a child under age 6, whether the child is living in or outside your home.
• Caring for someone who is ill or disabled living in or outside your home.

Other Benefit or Program Participation

• Receiving or applying for Unemployment Compensation. Requires verification (proof).
• Receiving TANF or cash assistance and complying with its work requirements.

Indigenous Identity

• You are considered to be an American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian, or California Indian eligible for Indian Health Services per federal regulations.

Example

Maria receives SNAP benefits. Her 4-year-old nephew lives with his father Derek, who often must work overtime. She cares for her nephew, while his father is at work, preparing his meals, supervising him while he plays, and taking him to doctor’s appointments. This counts as taking care of a child under age 6 and means Maria would be exempt from work requirements.

5. What do I do to prove that I qualify for an exemption?

DHS will check if you qualify for an exemption during screening at SNAP application and recertification.

In the meantime, if you are a current SNAP recipient, you can report changes in your household circumstances now (such as pregnancy, disability, or having a child in the home). You can report these changes online via District Direct, the mobile app, in person, or by mail or fax to ensure your case is up to date.

In some cases, you may need to provide proof of your exemption. Once DHS starts screening in June 2026, at your application or next recertification, your caseworker will let you know if you must provide proof. If you meet one or more exemptions, DHS will send a letter confirming that you are exempt from work requirements. If you lose your exemption at any point, the three-month time limit will apply.

6. What happens if I do not meet ABAWD work requirements and don't qualify for an exemption?

If you are between the ages of 18-64 and do not qualify for an exemption, you will be subject to ABAWD work requirements. ABAWD customers not meeting work requirements cannot receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month (3-year) period. DC uses a fixed 36-month clock that has the same start date, June 1, 2026, and end date, May 31, 2029, for all customers.

7. If I lose my SNAP benefits, how can I get them back?

If you start meeting the ABAWD rules and meet other eligibility requirements, you can get SNAP benefits again by:

• Reporting it to us if other members of your household are still receiving SNAP.
• Re-applying for benefits if your household is not currently receiving benefits.

You can also get SNAP benefits again if something changes in your life, and there are reasons you no longer need to follow these rules. For example, you may get SNAP benefits back if you have a new physical or mental health reason for not working or because one of the other exemption reasons applies to you.

8. How do I meet ABAWD work requirements?

To meet ABAWD work requirements, you must do one of these things:

• Work an average of at least 20 hours each week (or 80 hours a month). The work can be paid, unpaid, volunteer work, or work done in exchange for goods or services. (Remember, if you are doing paid work where you earn at least $217.50 a week, you are already exempt from the ABAWD work requirements!)   
• Be in an approved work or training program for an average of at least 20 hours each week (or 80 hours a month). This could be through SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) or another approved work program.
• Do a mix of work and work or training programs for an average of at least 20 hours each week (or 80 hours a month).
• Participate in SNAP Volunteer Program (also known as Workfare). This program, run by SNAP E&T, matches customers to approved volunteer opportunities at non-profits, faith-based organizations, or government agencies. The number of hours you must complete depends on your household SNAP benefit amount, but for most households it is less than 30 hours per month.

Examples

Working 80 hours per month: Maria lives in an apartment building rent-free in exchange for working 25 hours per week as the apartment building concierge. Maria meets the ABAWD work requirements by working at least 20 hours per week in exchange for goods or services.   Working and participating in a training program for 80 hours per month: Daniel works 10 hours per week (40 hours per month) at a convenience store. He is also participating in a hospitality training program through SNAP E&T for 10 hours per week (40 hours per month). Through these combined activities, he meets work requirements by working and training 80 hours per month.   Participating in the SNAP Volunteer Program for 16 hours per month: Lia is matched by the SNAP E&T program to a volunteer position at her local food pantry. Based on her household benefit amount, she must volunteer through the program 16 hours per month to meet work requirements.

9. What activities can I do to meet work requirements?

You can participate in any of the following work activities or a combination of these activities for at least 80 hours per month to meet the ABAWD work requirements.

Note: you can also meet work requirements by completing a smaller number of hours through the SNAP Volunteer Program. 

Category​	Qualifying Activities​
Paid Employment​	Full-time – Working a standard schedule Part-time – Less than full-time (but at least 80 hours per month). Temporary – Short-term jobs or seasonal work. ​ Contract – Fixed-term agreements for specific projects or periods. ​ Freelance – Independent work for multiple clients, paid per project or hour. ​ Internship (paid) – Short-term work experience with compensation. ​ Self-employed – Running a business or working as an independent contractor. ​ Casual/on-call – Work as needed, often without a set schedule.
Unpaid Work​	Volunteer work or barter arrangements​
Work, Education, & Training​ Programs	SNAP customers can complete ABAWD work requirements by participating in: A program offered by the SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program such as: An internship Work readiness training; and/or The SNAP Volunteer Program (Required hours are based on household benefit amount and differ for each customer) Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) programs, such as those through the DC American Jobs Center and the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) Trade Act Programs Veteran Employment & Training Program(s) Other job training and education programs

Note: TANF customers who are subject to ABAWD work requirements will be exempt if they meet TANF work requirements. If you need to re-engage with TANF, contact the Office of Performance Monitoring (OPM) in DCWET at 202-645-8205.

Example

Ahmed works 16 hours each weekend at a local restaurant and is enrolled in technical education classes through SNAP E&T for 4 hours during the week. Ahmed is meeting the ABAWD work requirement through a combination of working and participating in SNAP E&T.

10. What is the SNAP Volunteer Program (Workfare)?

The SNAP Volunteer Program allows you to meet work requirements by volunteering at an approved volunteer site.

You can sign up for the SNAP Volunteer Program through SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T). SNAP E&T will calculate your required participation hours by using your SNAP benefit amount and dividing it by DC’s minimum wage of $17.95 (required participation hours are often less than 30 hours per month). You will then be matched with a volunteering opportunity at an approved non-profit, faith-based organization, or government agency. Also, you can split hours among ABAWDs in your household.

*For organizations interested in partnering as a SNAP Volunteer Program host site, contact the SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) team at [email protected] for details.

Example

Diana receives $298 per month in SNAP benefits. To meet SNAP work requirements, she can volunteer through the SNAP Volunteer Program 16 hours per month. She contacts SNAP E&T, gets matched to an approved volunteer site at her local animal shelter, and volunteers 4 hours per week (16 hours per month) to meet her work requirements.

11. Can I get help finding a job or training program?

There are several programs available for SNAP recipients through the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program to help you find a job, get training, or attend school. For example, SNAP E&T can connect you to paid apprenticeships, internships, and job placement services. Most activities you do through SNAP E&T can count toward meeting your work requirements.

Customers who work with SNAP E&T can also receive reimbursements for eligible transportation, childcare, and other expenses related to participation. Please call SNAP E&T at (202) 535-1178, e-mail [email protected], or visit us at our Anacostia Service Center at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM.

12. What if I have a good reason for not being able to meet my work requirements for one month?

If you are unable to complete work hours due to reasons beyond your control, you may not be penalized if you have “Good Cause”. Starting June 1, 2026, you can report Good Cause anytime via the SNAP Work Requirement Screening Form or to a case worker during your interview. Some examples of good cause include, but are not limited to:

• Temporary illness
• Eviction or foreclosure
• Sudden breakdown in transportation
• Sudden loss of childcare
• Court-ordered appearance or temporary incarceration
• Domestic violence

Example

Taylor meets his work requirements by working 20 hours per month at a dry cleaner. It takes Taylor two hours to reach the dry cleaner via public transportation, so he drives instead. Taylor’s car breaks down on March 23, and he is unable to get to the dry cleaner to work for the rest of the week. He will only have worked 60 hours that month. He calls his case worker to report “Good Cause”. His Good Cause request is approved, and he receives a notice in the mail.

13. What key forms and reporting tools will I need?

On June 1, 2026, DHS will release 3 new ABAWD forms:

• SNAP Work Requirements Screening Form – screens for exemptions and good cause at application and recertification
• SNAP Verification of Employment Form – used to verify work activity history (filled out by the customer and signed by employer representative)
• SNAP Medical Report Form  – used to report medical condition and to be signed by a qualified professional

14. If I am 60 years old, will I need to comply with work requirements?

Due to recent changes in federal law, SNAP customers aged 60-64 years old will be subject to ABAWD work requirements unless you meet an exemption. You will be screened for work requirement exemptions at your next recertification.

Example

Tasha is 63 years old and has a three‑year certification period. She needs to renew her benefits on June 1, 2027. If Tasha does not have any changes to report, like moving, getting married, having a child, or her income changing, DHS will check her work hours and exemptions on June 1, 2027.

15. Can I avoid losing my benefits?

Yes, you can take steps to avoid losing SNAP benefits. If you do not meet work requirements or an exemption, you will receive a notice in the mail for each month you are not meeting the requirements. After three months of not meeting requirements, you will lose your benefits.

If you do not have an exemption and you are between the ages of 18-64 years old, you must meet requirements each month to receive SNAP benefits. You must satisfy one of the work requirements below and accurately report to DHS that you completed the requirement:

• Work at least 80 hours
• Take part in a qualifying work activity like an education or training program for 80 hours. (Note: If your SNAP benefits stop, you cannot be in SNAP E&T because the program is only for people who already get SNAP.)
• Do a mixture of work and qualifying work activities that equals 80 hours total.
• Participate in the SNAP Volunteer Program. The required number of hours are based on household benefit amount and differ for each customer.

Check if you qualify for an exemption. If you do, report your exemption by completing the SNAP Work Requirement Screening form any time starting June 1, 2026.

 

Updated: April 7, 2026