The 3-month time limit after the 2025 law

This is the SNAP rule that changed the most in 2025. USDA calls the people it covers "able-bodied adults without dependents."

How the time limit works

If the time limit applies to you, you can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period, unless you spend at least 80 hours a month on any mix of:

• Work, paid or in exchange for goods or services
• Volunteering or community service
• SNAP Employment and Training or another approved work program

What changed in 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, widened who the time limit covers:

• It now applies to adults up to age 64. Before, it stopped at 54.
• The parent exception now only covers someone with a child under 14 in the household. Before, any child under 18 counted.
• The separate exceptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults who aged out of foster care were removed.

The law also limited waivers. States can now ask to waive the time limit only for areas with unemployment over 10%, plus some areas in Alaska and Hawaii.

Who's still exempt

You're not covered by the time limit if you're pregnant, can't work because of a physical or mental health condition, have a child under 14 in your household, or are already excused from SNAP's general work rules (for example because you work 30 hours a week or care for someone who can't care for themselves). USDA's guidance also adds an exception for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Use the checker below to see where you stand, then confirm with your state.

Getting SNAP back

If you lose SNAP because of the time limit, you can get it back by meeting the 80-hour requirement for 30 days in a row. Ask your SNAP office about SNAP Employment and Training: it counts toward your hours and can help with job training.

Sources: SNAP time limit changes Q&As, USDA; SNAP work requirements, USDA.