Learn about new laws that are causing significant changes in time-limited work rules for SNAP recipients and that impact recipients and increase workload for Minnesota's counties and Tribal Nations.
The federal shutdown has ended, and SNAP benefits are being processed and distributed on schedule. Learn more at https://dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown
Important information about your time-limited SNAP benefits
If you are an adult who is aged 18-60 years old, do not have children living in your home, and are not exempt, you must meet the SNAP work requirements to continue to receive SNAP food benefits. If you do not meet the SNAP work requirement, you can only receive up to three months of SNAP food benefits in a three-year period – these are called time-limited benefits. The current three-year period will end December 31, 2025, and the next three-year period will begin January 1, 2026.
Are you exempt from the work requirement?
If you meet an exemption, you do not have to meet the work requirement to get SNAP food benefits. You may not have to meet the work requirement if you meet one of the following exemptions:
- You are a caretaker for a person who cannot care for themselves (whether the person lives in your home or out of your home)
- You are a caretaker for a dependent child under age 6 (whether the child lives in your home or out of your home); only one adult may claim the exemption for each child under the age of 6
- You are living with a child who is under age 15 who is part of the same SNAP household, even if the child is not eligible for SNAP benefits
- You are physically or mentally unable to work
- You are an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
- You are pregnant
- You are receiving or have applied for unemployment compensation
- You are taking part in an alcohol or other drug abuse treatment or rehabilitation program
- You are enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school or institution of higher learning
- You are receiving MFIP or DWP and in compliance with employment service requirements for the program
- You are working 30 or more hours per week or are earning weekly wages of $217.50 or more
- You are experiencing homelessness
If you meet one of the exemptions listed above, contact your county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker to report the exemption and find out what kind of verification is needed.
How you can meet the work requirement
Each month you meet the work requirement you earn an additional month of SNAP food benefits. There are three ways to meet the work requirement:
- Working, including paid employment, self-employment, in-kind and unpaid work at least 80 hours each month, or
- Taking part in a work program such as SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), certain programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) or the Department of Veterans Affairs at least 80 hours each month, or
- Participating in a combination of any of the above work and/or training programs for a combined total of at least 80 hours each month.
If you have met the work requirement or want more information about how you can meet the work requirement, contact your county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker as soon as possible.
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)
One way that you can meet the work requirement is by taking part in the SNAP E&T program. SNAP E&T is a program that provides SNAP recipients free services to help build job skills and find employment. SNAP E&T participants get access to education, training, work experience and help to overcome barriers to work. SNAP E&T can also help pay for supportive services needed to participate in the program.
More information about SNAP E&T and how to get started is available on the SNAP Employment and Training webpage.
Find a local service provider
Many local organizations, including technical and community colleges, community based organizations, county agencies, Tribes and CareerForce Centers provide SNAP E&T programs and services. You can access programs and services by contacting an organization directly using the contact information on our provider map.
Questions
If you have questions about this letter, your SNAP benefits or if you want to report an exemption, call your county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker.