Kentucky work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

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

🛒 SNAP in Kentucky

Called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), run by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS).

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 Kentucky

Expansion coverage is called Kentucky Medicaid (expansion adults). Kentucky expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting January 1, 2027.

Run by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services (DMS).

📌 Medicaid work and community engagement start 2027-01-01 for expansion adults 19-64; applicants show the month before applying, current members at least 3 of the 6 months before renewal (Feb 2027 renewals look back into 2026). State law bars seeking a delay without legislative approval. SNAP: partial ABAWD time-limit waiver (some areas only) in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS. Elliott, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin and Wolfe counties waived Dec 1 2025-Nov 30 2026.

Some areas of Kentucky have a federal waiver of the SNAP time limit. Ask your caseworker whether your county or city is included before counting hours.

Where to report and upload proof

kynect: report changes and upload documents
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules (official)
Kentucky Medicaid (expansion adults) (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters Kentucky 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.

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