Using SNAP? Here’s what you need to know about recent changes.
Those who fail to meet the new work requirements risk losing their SNAP benefits until the next 36-month period in January 2029.
Work requirements and exemptions have changed for SNAP users.
This change – the result of a major policy decision from the federal government – will impact SNAP users throughout the state, according to a release from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
SNAP users who are impacted by this change have been dubbed “time-limited recipients” by the state, meaning that – for some SNAP users – there is a limited window of time to get in compliance with these new changes.
“If they do not meet work requirements, they may only be eligible for three months of benefits in a statewide fixed 36-month eligibility period,” the release said.
Those who fail to meet the new work requirements risk losing their SNAP benefits until the next 36-month period in January 2029.
“To qualify for more than three months of benefits in the 36-month eligibility period, time-limited recipients must meet the work requirement or verify an exemption with their eligibility worker,” the release said. “If you lose your SNAP benefits, you can reapply if you start to meet the work requirement or meet one of the exemptions.”
What has changed?
This comes as a result of a federal law that was signed into being by the U.S. Congress on July 4, 2025.
The law expands the number of SNAP recipients who are subject to work requirements and time limits. Those changes went into effect on Nov. 1, 2025.
In order to meet the work requirement, SNAP recipients must work, volunteer or participate in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month, according to the state, and report those hours appropriately.
SNAP users can find a list of qualifying programs by visiting the SNAP Employment and Training program or using the provider map to view educational and training activities.
“If you choose to try and meet the work requirements, you can gain additional months by following the work rules,” according to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. “If you fail to meet the work requirements for any three months, you will not be eligible for SNAP for the rest of the three-year period unless you start meeting the work requirement or become exempt from the rules.”
People required to follow the time-limited work rules include:
Those between 18 and 64 years old
Recipients who don’t live with a dependent/child under age 14
SNAP users who don’t have a mental or physical health condition that prevent them from working
There will be exemptions to this new law. SNAP recipients who may qualify include people who are:
Pregnant
Caring for a child under age 6 or living with a child under age 14
Facing barriers to employment, such as homelessness or domestic violence
Navigating physical or mental health conditions
Applying for or receiving unemployment benefits
Enrolled in school, college or a training program for at least 20 hours per week
Participating in drug or alcohol addiction treatment
Compliant with the Minnesota Family Investment Program or Diversionary Work Program
Taking care of someone who is disabled or ill
Earning over $217.50 a week
SNAP users should also be aware that there have been changes in who is and is not exempt as part of the new law.
The recent change also created an exemption for members of tribal nation descent.
Two exemptions were removed as part of the new law. Exemptions to the work requirements no longer include veterans and people under 24 years of age who were in foster care when they turned 18 years old.
SNAP participants with questions about the changes should call their county or tribal nation eligibility worker, according to the state.
The case managers at Churches United also stand ready to assist SNAP participants with navigating the new changes.