Q.
What is the SNAP work requirement?
A.
The work requirement component has been in effect since 1996. It requires adults who can work, must work, participate in a work activity, or meet an
exemption to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Unless an exemption is met, individuals are limited to receiving three
months of SNAP benefits during a three-year period.
Q.
What are the recent changes to the work requirement component?
A.
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law H.R.1. H.R. 1 changes some SNAP program rules for able-bodied adults without dependents subject
to the work requirement time limit.
- The age limit has been raised from 55 to 65 years old. If the customer is between 55 and 65 years old, they may now be required to meet SNAP work requirements.
- The age of dependent children that gives the customer an exemption from work requirements has been lowered from 18 to 13 years old. If they have a dependent child who is age 14 or older, they may no longer be exempt from SNAP work requirements.
- Local departments of social services are no longer able to issue SNAP eligibility waivers based on the availability of jobs in the area.
- If a customer is impacted by this change, they should have received The SNAP Work Requirement Consolidated Information Notice via mail. This notice:
- Explains the work requirement, time-limited benefits and how to regain eligibility.
- Includes a list of work requirement exemptions.
- Includes instructions for the customer to select all applicable exemptions and return the notice to their local department of social services for evaluation.
- Effective November 1, 2025, there are no longer work requirement exemptions for:
- People experiencing homelessness.
- United States veterans.
- Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who have transitioned out of foster care.
Q.
What are the work requirement exemptions?
A.
Exemptions are available for individuals who are:
- 17 years of age or younger.
- Permanently disabled.
- Temporarily disabled or unable to work because of a medical reason.
- Pregnant.
- In a SNAP household with children who are under 14 years of age.
- Taking care of someone who is sick or disabled.
- Volunteering at a public or private agency, such as a school, house of worship or hospital.
- Working for pay 20 hours or more each week.
- Receiving unemployment benefits.
- Applying for unemployment benefits.
- Participating in a work program such as WOIA, VIEW, or Trade Adjustment Assistance.
- Working in exchange for rent or other benefit.
- Enrolled as a student at least half-time in any recognized school, training program or institution of higher education.
- Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.
Q.
What should a customer do if they are currently receiving SNAP benefits and think they meet an exemption?
A.
Contact the local
department of social services to report the change to the Benefit Programs Specialist.
Q.
There have been updates to expense verifications when applying for or recertifying SNAP benefits. What are they?
A.
Customers must now verify expenses for dependent care, shelter and medical expenses.
Q.
What does that mean exactly and how is that different from before?
A.
Previously, customers could provide a verbal statement detailing these types of expenses, and the expense would be allowed
as an income deduction. Now, to receive the income deduction for these expenses, customers must provide their Benefit
Programs Specialist a document that shows proof of the expense. Examples of accepted documents are shown in the chart below.
*Verifications shown above are examples only. Ask the local department about other examples.
| Type of Expense | Example of Expense | Example of Verification* |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Care | Cost of child care, adult care or care for someone in the household living with a disability | Receipt from care provider |
| Shelter | Cost of rent, homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes or utility bills |
Rent receipt showing rent amount OR
The customer may ask a Benefit Programs Specialist at their local department to contact their landlord. |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, gas, phone or recycling charges | Bill or statement for each expense OR
Written statement from landlord stating that the customer pays utilities costs |
| Medical Expenses | Doctor's visit, prescriptions, medical procedures or new glasses | Paid medical bill or receipt, insurance company statement, pharmacy receipt. |
Q.
Do these new requirements apply to all SNAP processes?
A.
Yes, the new verification requirement applies to applications, Interim Reports and recertifications.
- Customers will have a minimum of 10 days to provide documents that show expenses.
- Customers will receive a Verification Checklist to let them know what is required.
- For Interim Reports, customers will receive a Request for Action.
Q.
What if a customer is just reporting an address change?
A.
When reporting an address change, customers will need to provide verification of shelter expenses at that time to receive the income deduction.
Questions? Contact the local department of social services.
Remember, customers can always check the status of their benefits or report updates to their information at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/!
Questions? Contact the local department of social services.
Remember, customers can always check the status of their benefits or report updates to their information at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/!
