IMPORTANT NOTICE: SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements Expected to Take Effect in Early 2026
Due to changes in federal law as part of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, work requirements for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers – known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) – will take effect in early 2026. These rules may limit how long some people can receive SNAP benefits unless they meet specific work requirements or qualify for an exemption. If you are subject to the ABAWD rules and do not meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption, you may only be able to receive SNAP benefits for 3 months within a 3-year period.
DHS will send notifications to SNAP customers explaining in detail when these changes will start and how to report exemptions and qualifying work activities.
What You Should Do Right Now
SNAP customers do not need to take action at this time to continue receiving benefits. However, we highly recommend that customers start taking steps now if they believe they may be impacted by ABAWD work requirements when they take effect, including participating in DHS’ SNAP Employment & Training and other training programs.
For more information, please visit our SNAP work requirements web page.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as "Food Stamps" – helps low-income individuals and families by providing monthly benefits to purchase food. SNAP is accepted at most grocery stores, some farmers’ markets, convenience, big box stores, and some online stores. SNAP benefits generally cannot be used to buy prepared foods, vitamins, alcohol/tobacco, and non-food items (like soap or toothpaste).
Eligibility and Monthly Benefit
Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on several factors, including income, expenses, and the number of individuals in the household.
Learn more about SNAP eligibility requirements, including general eligibility, ongoing eligibility, seniors and people with disabilities eligibility, and student eligibility.
Learn more about SNAP monthly benefit levels.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Cards
If you are approved for SNAP, each month your SNAP benefits will be automatically loaded onto an EBT Card. You must create a PIN that you will need to enter each time you make an eligible food purchase.
Learn more about EBT cards.
Using your SNAP Benefits
What are acceptable SNAP purchases?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants, produce food for the household to eat
What are restricted SNAP purchases?
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from the water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
- Prepared Foods fit for immediate consumption
- Hot foods
- Any non-food items such as:
- Pet foods
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
- Hygiene items, cosmetics
Where can I use SNAP?
SNAP is accepted at most stores that sell grocery items. You can use the SNAP Retail Locator to find a store near you that accepts SNAP benefits.
In addition to in-person stores, you can use SNAP to purchase eligible food items online for delivery to your residence from the following locations.
Amazon
Aldi via Instacart
Giant
Safeway (varies by location)
SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for fees or delivery charges.
Employment and Training Services for SNAP Recipients
If you are approved for SNAP, you can receive employment, training, and education assistance at no cost through the:
SNAP Employment & Training Program (SNAP E&T) – If you receive SNAP benefits and do not receive TANF benefits, the SNAP E&T program can help you achieve your career goals through a broad range of services focused on your interests and needs. The program is completely voluntary, and participants receive reimbursements for eligible transportation, childcare, and other expenses related to participation. Loaner laptops are also available to eligible participants.
TANF Employment Program (TEP) – If you receive TANF in addition to SNAP benefits, the TEP program provides coaching towards education and employment goals, coaching for parents on goals they have for their child(ren) and families, and connections to service providers that can help you achieve those goals. Participant support and incentives are also provided, including for the purchase of technology needed for remote participation.
