Federal Changes to SNAP Rules Will Require More Adults to Meet Work Requirements to Remain Eligible

Beginning November 1, 2025, West Virginia began implementing new federal SNAP restrictions as a result of the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which requires many adults to meet work reporting requirements or qualify for an exemption to remain eligible. Those who do not document that they meet these requirements or qualify for an exemption could lose coverage beginning in early 2026.

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The new work requirements generally apply to those between ages 18 and 64 who do not receive SNAP for any children under 14 and who do not receive a disability benefit, though there are additional exemptions they may qualify for.

Those subject to these “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD) work requirements who fail to meet the requirements will only be eligible for SNAP three months in any three-year period. If you currently receive SNAP, you will likely be assessed for compliance at your next eligibility renewal or redetermination. If you are not currently on SNAP, these rules will be in effect when you newly apply.

If you do not qualify for an exemption, you will need to meet one of the following to remain eligible to receive SNAP:

• Report work totaling at least 80 hours per month or at least 20 hours per week. That may include self-employment, as well as work for goods or services (e.g., bartering). It also includes migrant/seasonal farmworkers under contract to begin work within 30 days. People may remain eligible if they have a good cause for failure to work 80 hours in a given month (e.g., illness, transportation problem, family emergency).
• Participate in the West Virginia SNAP Employment and Training Program for 20 hours per week. The WV Department of Human Services and your case worker may be able to refer you to a program that can help you find a job.
• Volunteer or do community service for 80 hours per month. The nonprofit you volunteer at will need to verify your hours worked.

Those experiencing homelessness, veterans, and those aging out of foster care are no longer automatically exempt from work requirements. If you fall into any of these categories, please assess whether you meet another exemption that protects you from losing assistance.

Exemptions to the SNAP work requirement include:

• Earning at least $217.50 per week before taxes, regardless of hours OR working, volunteering, and/or job training a combined 80 hours per month, regardless of income;
• Meeting a work requirement for the TANF program;
• Being physically or mentally unfit for work;
• Being a custodial parent to a child under 14 years old;
• Being under 18 or over 65 years old;
• Receiving any disability benefit like SSI or SSD;
• Being in school or job training at least half-time;
• Receiving unemployment benefits;
• Caring for a family member who is unable to care for themselves due to an illness or disability;
• Being in drug or mental health treatment; or
• Being pregnant.

If you have proof you’ll be working soon, experience an emergency, or have another reason you think you should be exempt, contact the SNAP agency.

Does your health impact your ability to work?

Take this form to your health care provider, like your doctor or therapist. Ask them to sign it now! People with a signed medical form will be able to keep their SNAP benefits. Even if you currently work, it is a good idea to have the form filled out in case your hours change!

Have questions or ready to report an exemption?

Call the SNAP agency at 1-877-716-1212.

Need legal help?

Contact Legal Aid of West Virginia at 1-866-255-4370.

READ THE FULL FACT SHEET.