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How many hours do you have to work to get food stamps?

Short answer: 80 hours a month, about 20 hours a week, for adults 18–64 on SNAP who don’t have a child under 14 at home and don’t have an exemption. Volunteering and job training count too, and you can mix them.

The rule is the same in every state. If it covers you and you don’t meet it, SNAP stops after 3 months in a 3-year period. Here is what counts, who is exempt, and how to keep proof.

What counts toward the 80 hours

Who doesn’t have to

Since 2025, people age 55–64, parents whose youngest child at home is 14–17, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth 24 or younger are no longer automatically exempt. Check which exemptions fit you.

If you fall short

If you are covered and don't meet the 80 hours (and no exception or waiver applies), you can only get SNAP for 3 full months in a 36-month period. You can get back on by doing 80 hours in any 30 days in a row, or by qualifying for an exception. There is no limit on how many times you can regain it.

Missed hours because you were sick, had a family emergency or had no ride? Tell your SNAP office. A short-term “good cause” reason can still count you as meeting the rule.

Keep proof of every hour

Pay stubs that show hours are the standard proof. For volunteer hours, get a signed letter or log from the place you volunteer. Write down every shift as you go, so you aren’t rebuilding the month from memory when a notice comes.

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

Rules and links for your state

The 80 hours are the same everywhere. Your state decides how you report them.

Questions people ask

How many hours do you have to work to get food stamps?

If the SNAP work rule covers you, 80 hours a month. That works out to about 20 hours a week, averaged over the month, so a short week can be made up later in the month.

How many hours a week do you need to work for SNAP?

About 20 hours a week. The rule is written as 20 hours a week averaged monthly, which means 80 hours in the month.

Does it have to be a paid job?

No. Paid work, work traded for goods or services, unpaid or volunteer work, and job training or a work program like SNAP Employment & Training all count, and you can mix them to reach 80.

Who doesn’t have to work 80 hours?

People under 18 or 65 and older, people with a health problem that keeps them from working, anyone responsible for a child under 14 at home, pregnant people, and American Indians and Alaska Natives. People who already work 30 hours a week, are in school or training half-time, get unemployment, or are in a drug or alcohol treatment program are also exempt from the general work rules. Take the 1-minute check.

What happens if I work less than 80 hours?

If no exemption or local waiver applies, you can only get SNAP for 3 full months in a 3-year period. After that, benefits stop for you (not for the rest of your household).

How do I get food stamps back after the 3 months?

Do 80 hours of work, volunteering or a work program in any 30 days in a row, or qualify for an exemption, then tell your SNAP office. There is no limit on how many times you can get back on.

Is it the same for Medicaid?

Close. Starting by January 1, 2027, adults 19–64 covered through Medicaid expansion also need 80 hours a month, but Medicaid also counts school at least half-time, or monthly income (as Medicaid counts it) of $580 or more.

Sources

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.