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Work Requirements for Food Assistance

Work Requirements for Food Assistance

Work Requirements for Food Assistance

    • Able-bodied adults without dependents under the age of 14 (ABAWD) who are between 18–64, with some deferral exceptions, will now be subject to work requirements to receive SNAP benefits.  Beginning November 2026, all counties will continue Time Limited Food Assistance (TLFA) work requirements under federal guidelines established in H.R. 1. The following counties and cities are approved by the Food and Nutrition Administration through the ABAWD waiver and are exempt until October 31, 2027:
      • Counties: Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle, and Schoolcraft.
      • Cities: Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson and Saginaw.

    Recipients may meet their monthly TLFA work requirements through the following:

      • Employment – work at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week average) or receive monthly average earnings of at least 20 hours per week multiplied by the federal minimum wage.
        • Note: Includes work in exchange for money, including self-employment, work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind) and/or unpaid work (volunteer).
      • Self-Initiated Community Service – unpaid work for a nonprofit organization in exchange for SNAP benefits. The number of hours worked must equal the SNAP group’s monthly food assistance benefit amount divided by the state minimum wage.
      • Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) Employment and Training program (not available in all counties) – participate 80 hours per month (20 hours per week average) in an employment and training program. Individuals have the option to meet their monthly TLFA work requirements by choosing to participate in a workfare activity through MWA. The number of hours worked in the workfare activity must equal the SNAP group’s monthly food assistance benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

    Food assistance recipients who received a full calendar month of SNAP benefits and do not meet their monthly TLFA work requirements, qualify for deferral or who provide a good cause reason will receive a “countable month”. An individual may only receive three countable months within the 36-month period.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I received information stating I will have to meet the work requirement. Is this true?

      Yes, MDHHS received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration that its TLFA waiver related to work requirements ended for all locations not covered under the new waiver mentioned above.

  • Why do I have to meet SNAP work requirements now?

    Due to the federal H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, changes were made to the TLFA waiver criteria and some counties in Michigan are now required to implement SNAP work requirements.

  • What counties and cities are waived from the work requirement based on the requirements in H.R.1?

    Counties: Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle, and Schoolcraft.

    Cities: Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson, and Saginaw. 

  • What month do these changes take affect?

    These changes begin March 1, 2026.

  • How long can I receive SNAP benefits without meeting the work requirement

    Individuals subject to the SNAP work requirement can receive three months of food assistance in a three-year period without meeting the SNAP work requirement.

  • How do I report I am working to meet the work requirement?

    Contact your local MDHHS office at 1-844-464-3447 or visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

  • How can I meet the SNAP work requirements?

    Individuals subject to the work requirements can satisfy those through:

    • Employment – work at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week average) or receive monthly average earnings of at least 20 hours per week multiplied by the federal minimum wage.
      • Note: Work includes work in exchange for money, including self-employment, work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind) and/or unpaid work (volunteer).
    • Self-Initiated Community Service – unpaid work for a nonprofit organization in exchange for SNAP benefits. The number of hours worked must equal the SNAP group’s monthly benefit amount divided by the state minimum wage.
    • Michigan Works! Agency Employment and Training program (not available in all counties) – participate 80 hours per month (20 hours per week average) in an employment and training program. Individuals have the option to meet their monthly work requirement by choosing to participate in a workfare activity through MWA. The number of hours worked in the workfare activity must equal the SNAP group’s monthly SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

  • What can I do to prepare for the SNAP work requirements?

    Stay up to date on your SNAP benefits case by visiting Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

    If there is a reason why you are unable to meet the work requirement, such as a disability or caring for a child under age 14, contact your MDHHS local office at 1-844-464-3447.

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