Iowa work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in Iowa, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in Iowa

Called Food Assistance (SNAP), run by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS).

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in Iowa

Expansion coverage is called Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). Iowa expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting December 1, 2026.

Run by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Iowa Medicaid.

📌 EARLY: IHAWP Community Engagement Requirements apply to new applicants from 2026-12-01 (must meet in the month before applying); current members at renewals from Feb 2027 (any two months of review period). SNAP: no ABAWD time-limit waiver in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS; time limit applies statewide.

Where to report and upload proof

Iowa HHS Self-Service Portal: report changes and upload documents
Food Assistance (SNAP) work rules (official)
Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP) (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters Iowa sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

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

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

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.

Sources