New SNAP Work Requirements Start December 1: What They Mean for Washington Families

On December 1, 2025, new federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will take effect statewide. These rules, passed under H.R. 1 (the “Big Beautiful Bill”), expand who must demonstrate that they are working to keep their benefits.

Below is an overview of the coming changes to SNAP, who they’ll impact, and what we can do to prepare. You’ll find detailed information about the new work requirements at the USDA website.

What are the new work requirements?

Under federal law, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) can only receive SNAP for three months in any three-year period unless they meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption.

To stay on SNAP longer than three months, individuals must either:

• Complete at least 80 hours of verified work per month (about 20 hours per week), OR
• Participate in a SNAP Employment & Training program (Washington’s BFET program), OR
• Combine qualifying activities such as paid employment, self‑employment, or certain verified unpaid work (volunteering, bartering, or training) to meet the 80‑hour monthly threshold. Documentation is required to verify compliance.

Who will be impacted?

H.R. 1 removes exemptions that previously protected vulnerable groups. Now, the following must meet work requirements or risk losing benefits:

• Veterans
• Young adults aging out of foster care
• People experiencing homelessness
• Parents with children over age 14
• Adults ages 18–64 who are not employed full‑time year‑round
• Additionally, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants with humanitarian protections will no longer qualify for SNAP under the new law.

Altogether, as many as 170,300 Washingtonians could lose food assistance — 137,300 due to expanded work rules and 33,000 due to immigrant eligibility changes.

What Can SNAP Recipients Do to Prepare?

• Check your notices: Watch for letters or portal updates on eligibility and recertification from DSHS.
• Understand exemptions: Some people may still qualify (e.g., health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, enrollment in school or treatment programs). Verification may be required.
• Document your activities: Keep pay stubs, volunteer logs, or BFET participation records to show compliance.
• Seek support early: Contact your local DSHS office or BFET program to explore options.

What Can Supporters Do?

• Spread awareness: Share accurate, verified information from sources like DSHS and USDA.
• Support food banks: Demand is expected to continue rising; donations and volunteers will be critical. Find a food bank near you that could benefit from your help >

Calls to Action

• Advocate for change locally: Push for policies that protect access to food and reduce barriers to assistance in Washington. Take action now by urging WA representatives to protect food assistance in the upcoming legislative session >
• Advocate for national change: Urge members of Congress to cosponsor and support the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025, which repeals the cuts to SNAP. 

Moving Forward

The new SNAP work requirements, combined with other impacts from H.R. 1, will reshape food access in Washington. While they place heavy burdens on families and individuals already struggling, our communities can respond with resilience and solidarity. By preparing now, supporting one another, and advocating for food justice, we can work to mitigate these changes and ensure no one in Washington goes hungry.

Additional Information 

• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
• US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)