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Learn about the impact of the federal shutdown on SNAP and other DCYF programs.

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Changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Time-Limited Work Rules

Intro

A new federal law (H.R.1, signed July 4, 2025) makes major policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including expanding time-limited work rules. We understand that the implementation of H.R.1, a law that DCYF advised against due to problematic cuts to serving Minnesotan's basic needs and cuts to our state budget, is causing significant increased workload to our county and Tribal partners. 

We are sorry that the impacts of H.R.1 are reaching you, knowing that this significantly increases the workload of your teams and negatively impacts the benefits of your neighbors in all 87 counties and 11 Tribal Nations. DCYF stands with you in problem-solving during this difficult time.

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Expanded work requirements effective November 1, 2025

Starting on November 1, 2025, more SNAP recipients will be subject to work requirements and time limits.

Under these new federal rules, certain SNAP recipients will be limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period unless they meet work requirements. Work requirements include working, volunteering or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND reporting that they are meeting the work requirements.

Changes to who needs to follow SNAP work requirements

CurrentEffective November 1, 2025
  • Are 18-54 years old;
  • Do not live with a dependent/child under age 18; and
  • Do not have a mental or physical health condition stopping them from working
  • Are between 18-64 years old;
  • Do not live with a dependent/child under age 14; and
  • Do not have a mental or physical health condition stopping them from working

Some people may not have to follow these rules if they qualify for an exemption (see below).

Who is exempt from work requirements

Some SNAP recipients may still be exempt from the work requirements if they meet one of the following exemptions:

  • Pregnant
  • Have certain barriers to obtaining or retaining employment such as experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
  • Experiencing domestic violence
  • Not working because of a physical or mental health condition
  • Getting unemployment benefits or has applied for unemployment benefits
  • Going to school, college or training program at least 20 hours per week
  • Taking part in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • Taking care of someone who is disabled or ill
  • Earning $217.50 or more per week already

Changes to exemptions

Exemptions added effective November 1, 2025Exemptions removed effective November 1, 2025
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native
  • Urban Indian
  • California Indian
  • Age 24 or younger and were in foster care on your 18th birthday
  • Served in the U.S. military regardless of your discharge status

Call your county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker if you think you're exempt from the time-limited work rules. If they confirm that you are exempt, you will not have to follow the time-limited work rules. If the county or Tribal Nation human services office cannot verify your exemption, they will ask you for verification. 

Changes to waived areas

The federal bill removed Minnesota’s waiver for areas lacking sufficient jobs. Beginning December 1, 2025, SNAP recipients living in counties or Tribal Nations with a waiver previously granted due to a lack of sufficient jobs are NOT exempt from the work requirements. Under the new federal law, only areas with unemployment rates over 10 percent will now qualify for a waiver. The department is working to determine if any areas qualify for the new waiver requirements. 

How to follow the work rules

Spend 20 hours each week (or 80 hours each month) doing one or a combination of the following work activities:

  • Working
  • Taking part in a job training or work program
  • Volunteering

Find an approved training program through the SNAP Employment and Training program. Use the provider map to find organizations that offer qualifying education and training activities. 

What happens if you do not meet work requirements

If you choose to try and meet the work requirements, you can gain additional months by following the work rules. 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.