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SNAP Work Rules

Changes to SNAP Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

More people with an ABAWD status must now meet work rules to keep SNAP for longer than three months.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed House Resolution One (H.R. 1). This law expands the ages of people who need to meet SNAP work rules. The expanded age includes people ages 18 to 64 who don't have children under age 14 on their SNAP case. People who don't meet the work rules may lose SNAP benefits after three months.

Work requirementsReport exemptionsGet helpContact us

Who must meet work rules

People ages 18 to 64 who:  

  • Don't have a child under age 14 on their SNAP case, or
  • Don't live in an exempt area, or
  • Don't have any other exemptions

You need to tell us about any exemptions so we can update your case.

Exemptions

You don't have to meet work rules if you have an exemption.

  • You need to tell us if any exemptions apply to you. 
  • You need to report exemptions each time you reapply for SNAP.

People who live in certain areas can report an exemption.

  • Waived Tribal lands
    People who live on the Tribal lands of the following Tribes can report an exemption because of high unemployment: 
    • Burns Paiute Tribe, Coquille Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, The Klamath Tribes
  • Counties that are exempt (starting Feb. 1, 2026)
    People who live in the following counties can report an exemption because their county doesn't have a WorkSource Center: 
    • Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman, Wheeler

Work requirements

If work rules apply to you:

You need to do 80 hours each month of work or approved activities through: 

Proof of work activities

If you work or volunteer on your own, you'll need to provide proof.

  • Proof can be a pay stub or signed letter from:
    • Your employer
    • A volunteer coordinator
    • The person you trade work with
  • The letter should include:
    • Your full name (and SNAP case number if you have it)
    • How many hours you work each week
    • When the work started and if it will continue
    • Name, contact information and signature of the person writing the letter (if we can't confirm the information, we may contact them to check)

If you don't meet the work rules

You can only get SNAP for three months without meeting work rules.

  • Each month you don't meet the work rules counts as one month. 
  • After three months, your SNAP benefits may end. 
  • Contact us early to get help before this happens.

SNAP time limit

Some people can only get SNAP food benefits for three months in a three-year period without meeting work rules. The current three-year period is Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2027.

If you already meet the work rules

If you already meet the work rules, you may just need to provide proof. 

You may meet the rules if you:

  • Work 30 hours a week, or earn at least $935.25 a month (before taxes)
  • Are self-employed and earn at least:
    • $935.25 a month (with no business costs), or
    • $1,870.50 a month (with business costs)
  • Volunteer or do community service
  • Trade work for housing or other needs (bartering)
  • Get unemployment benefits (or have applied and not been denied)

Report exemptions

If you think you are exempt from the work rules, you need to tell us.

  • Look at the list of exemptions below. 
  • If you think you're exempt, see "How to report an exemption" below and tell us.
  • You need to report exemptions each time you renew your SNAP benefits.

​​Some people don't have to meet SNAP work rules. You may be exempt if any of these apply to you:

  • A child under age 14 gets SNAP with you
  • You are pregnant
  • You are in school at least half-time
  • You care for someone who can't care for themselves
  • You are in alcohol or drug treatment
    • This does not include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sup​port groups
  • You get unemployment benefits (or have applied and not been denied)
  • You work at least 30 hours a week
  • You earn at least $935.25 a month
  • You get money because of a disability
  • You can't work because of a physical, mental or behavioral health reason
  • You are in a federal refugee training program
  • You are meeting TANF work requirements
  • You are Native American or Alaska Native and meet Tribal eligibility​
  • You get care from Indian Health Services or a Tribal or Urban Indian clinic
  • You live on waived Tribal land
  • You live in a county that is exempt​

If you think you're exempt, you need to tell us so we can update ​your case.

Call us: ​833-947-1694

  • Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Language ​interpreters are available.

Email us: snap.abawdteam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Please include in your email:

  • Your full name
  • Your SNAP case number (if you have it)
  • Your phone number or email and the best time to reach you
  • All exemptions you are eligible for or how you are meeting the work rules
  • Proof, such as a paystub or signed letter fro​m the person you volunteer or work for

If none of the reasons above apply to you, we still encourage you to call us.


Want help? We're here for you!

If you need to meet the work rules, we encourage you to contact us or get help from our partners at the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

For help meeting the work rules:​

  • ​​Contact the ODHS ABAWD Team. They'll help you get an appointment with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) at a​ local WorkSource Center. 
  • ​​Let us know if you need help getting to your first appointment. Support is available.​
  • At the WorkSource Center, you'll get connected with a dedicated Employment Specialist who can help you create an ABAWD case plan. Your case plan outlines your work-related activities for the month.
  • OED has many employment, training and educational services. As part of your case plan, you may be connected to other partners like SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) providers.
  • OED also provides case management. They can work with you to support your needs and employment goals.

Examples of OED supports:

  • Training funds for education​
  • Help searching for jobs and preparing to work
  • Help buying things you need to be successful in your ​case plan
  • Continued support for 90 days after you start a new job

How to contact us

For questions, to report an exemption, or to provide proof for work rules:

 Call 833-947-1694

Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

 You can also email us at snap.abawdteam@odhs.oregon.gov

Include these things in your email:

  • Your full name
  • Your SNAP case number (if you have it)
  • Your phone number or email and the best time to reach you
  • All exemptions you are eligible for or how you are meeting the work rules
  • Proof, such as a paystub or signed letter from the person you volunteer or work for

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) does not discriminate against anyone. This means that ODHS will help all who qualify and will not treat anyone differently. See the USDA nondiscrimination statement for more information.