UPCOMING CHANGES TO SNAP PROGRAM IN DC
Attention! If you are a DC resident and SNAP recipient or plan to apply to the program, changes are coming. Starting June 1, 2026, new work requirements will take effect.
If you are between ages 18 – 64 and do not meet an exemption, you are subject to an 80-hour monthly work requirement to keep your food benefits. Previous exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who aged out of foster care have also been removed.
Please read the following information:
The Department of Human Services (DHS), which manages SNAP, will determine whether you need to meet Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements OR whether you qualify for an exemption. Work requirements apply ONLY to non-exempt SNAP customers who meet the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (or ABAWD). You may be considered an ABAWD if you are between 18 and 64 years old and do not qualify for an exemption.
ABAWD Exemptions
ABAWD Exemptions:
- Younger than age 18, or age 65 or older
- Responsible for a dependent child under age 14
- Facing physical or mental barriers to employment
- Exempt from the General Work Requirement
- Certain indigenous peoples: Indian, Urban Indian, or Californian Indian, or
Many people qualify without knowing it. You are likely exempt IF:
- You have anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or another condition that limits your ability to work (a provider can verify this)
- You help care for someone in your household
- You live with a child under 14, or
- Your work hours vary, but you still earn enough on average.
When in doubt, report your situation early — DHS will make the official decision. If even one exemption applies to you, you are not required to meet work requirements.
General Work Requirement Exemptions
General Work Requirements Exemptions: (Learn More)
- Under age 16 or over age 59
- Working at least 30 hours a week
- Working and earning weekly wages at least equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours
- Meeting the work rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Caring for a dependent child under 6 or an incapacitated person
- Participating in a substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation program
- Enrolled at least ½ time in school, training program, or institute of higher education
- Participating in a federal recognized refugee training program at least ½ time
- Applying for/or receiving unemployment compensation, or
- Facing physical or mental barriers to employment such as illness, injury, or incapacitation.
If you are exempt, then you have no work requirements. Your benefits continue as normal.
SNAP Monthly Income Limits by Household Size
SNAP Monthly Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size |
Gross Income Limit (130% FPL) |
200% FPL (Expanded Eligibility) * |
Net Income Limit (100% FPL) |
| 1 |
$1,696 |
$2,610 |
$1,305 |
| 2 |
$2,292 |
$3,526 |
$1,763 |
| 3 |
$2,888 |
$4,442 |
$2,221 |
| 4 |
$3,483 |
$5,360 |
$2,680 |
| 5 |
$4,079 |
$6,276 |
$3,138 |
| 6 |
$4,675 |
$7,192 |
$3,596 |
| 7 |
$5,271 |
$8,110 |
$4,055 |
| 8 |
$5,867 |
$9,026 |
$4,513 |
| Each additional person |
+$596 |
+$918 |
+$459 |
Note: The federal government sets income limits for SNAP based on the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and updates them every year on October 1.
What applies to you if you are NOT exempt?
If you are not exempt, you must meet work participation requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits without interruption.
Work Requirements: You must work or participate in qualifying activities at least 80 hours per month, or SNAP may be limited to 3 months in a 3-year period.
What to do now!
- Make sure your contact information and household details are up to date with DHS.
- Start saving documentation of your work hours, school or training enrollment, or any medical conditions that affect your ability to work.
- If you think you may be exempt, report that information to DHS as early as possible — at your application or recertification.
- Do not take action based on an informational letter alone. Requirements are officially determined during the application or recertification after June 1.
For DC residents: Call Mary’s Center to set up an appointment for help!
Maryland Residents
The work requirements in Maryland went into effect on November 1, 2025. For new SNAP customers applying for benefits after that date, the updated worked requirements apply to you immediately. For customers who were participating in SNAP before November 1, 2025, the work requirements will apply to you at your next recertification. As part of the application and recertification process, a caseworker will screen you to determine if you are eligible for an exception to the work requirements.
For more information, click here, or visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.
Montgomery County:
- DHHS Silver Spring Center, 8818 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910.
- DHHS Offices, 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.
- Mid-County DHHS Building, 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Upcounty Regional Services Center, 2nd Floor, 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown, MD 20874.
Prince George’s County:
- Northern Office. 6505 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782.
- Central Office. 425 Brightseat Rd., Landover, MD 20785.
- Southern Office. 4235 28th Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748.
For more information about our social services, call Mary’s Center’s main line at (202) 483-8196 (Option 6).
