Work Requirements for Food Assistance

There are three ways an individual can meet the time limit work requirements:

• Work an average of at least 20 hours per week each month in unsubsidized, self and/or in-kind employment.
• Participate 20 hours per week in an approved employment and training program with Michigan Works!, averaged monthly (available in select counties only).
• Participate in community service by volunteering at a nonprofit organization.

You may be exempt from meeting work requirements if you meet any of the following federal criteria:

• Are physically or mentally unable to work.
• Receive Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance due to disability or blindness, or receives Supplemental Security Income or State Disability Assistance.
• Are pregnant.
• Receive or are an applicant for unemployment benefits.
• Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.
• Attend training or college at least half-time and meet the student eligibility criteria to receive food assistance.
• Care for an incapacitated person or a child under age 6 (they do not have to live with you).
• Reside in a household with a child under age 18.
• Are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.
• A veteran.
• An individual who is 24 years of age or younger and who was in foster care under the responsibility of a state on the date of attaining 18 years of age or such higher age as the state has elected.

• An able-bodied individual may choose to volunteer at a nonprofit organization on their own or by selecting the workfare activity while participating in the employment and training program at a Michigan Works! agency. MDHHS determines the number of participation hours required by dividing the individual’s FAP group monthly food assistance benefit by Michigan’s minimum wage.

• An able-bodied individual meeting the work requirements through unsubsidized, self and/or in-kind employment must provide income verification as directed by MDHHS.
• An able-bodied individual participating in an education and training program will have their participation verified by Michigan Works! (available in select counties only).
• An able-bodied individual must show proof of completing community service hours by turning in a completed Community Service Activity Report every month to MDHHS to avoid interruptions in benefits.

We want to help able-bodied individuals on their journey to self-sufficiency. Approved training programs may be available through Michigan Works!. Contact MDHHS for a referral (available in select counties).

An able-bodied individual can participate in a combination of unsubsidized employment and an employment and training program, but cannot combine either with community service to meet the minimum hour requirement.

Individuals can use their three months at any time during the 36-month time period. The non-working months do not have to be consecutive.

Due to unemployment rates in the past Michigan received a federal waiver that paused work requirements for able-bodied adults. As Michigan’s economy improves, some areas are no longer eligible for the federal waiver.

Contact your local MDHHS county office.