Federal law changed who has to meet SNAP work rules. Here's who it covers in Oregon and Washington, and how to keep your benefits.
At a glance
18–64Ages the rules now cover
80 hrsWork or activities a month
3 monthsSNAP limit in 3 years if you don't
The rules apply to adults 18 to 64 with no child under 14 in their SNAP household.
Many people are exempt, but you have to tell the state. Report it every time you apply or renew.
Lost benefits? You can get them back by meeting 80 hours in 30 days.
1Who has to meet the rules
Adults 18 to 64 who can work and have no child under 14 on their SNAP case. Before the 2025 federal law, it was 18 to 54, and a child under 18 made you exempt.
The law also ended automatic exemptions for veterans, people without housing and young adults who left foster care. They can still qualify for another exemption below.
2How to meet them
Do at least 80 hours a month of any mix of:
Paid work or self-employment
Volunteering or community service
Trading work for rent or other needs
A state job or training program: SNAP Training and Employment in Oregon, BFET in Washington
In Oregon, working 20 hours a week or earning at least $580 a month before taxes counts. Proof can be a pay stub or a signed letter from whoever you work or volunteer for.
3You're exempt if you
Have a child under 14 on your SNAP case, or are pregnant
Can't work because of a physical or mental health condition, or get disability payments
Care for someone who can't care for themselves
Are in school at least half-time, or in drug or alcohol treatment
Get or have applied for unemployment
Are American Indian or Alaska Native
In Oregon: work 30+ hours a week, meet TANF work rules, or live in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman or Wheeler County or on certain Tribal lands
Washington has no exempt areas in 2026. The time limit applies statewide.
4The 3-month time limit
If you don't meet the rules and aren't exempt, you can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period. The months don't have to be in a row, and you'll get a notice for each one.
Oregon
Washington
Current 3-year period
Jan 2025 – Dec 2027
Jan 2024 – Dec 2026
When you're checked
At application and renewal
At your next review
Help line
833-947-1694
877-501-2233
In Washington, a new 3-year period starts January 1, 2027.
5If your SNAP stopped
You can get benefits back by doing 80 hours of work or activities within 30 days, or when you become exempt.
Contact your state and ask to have your SNAP restarted. Send proof of hours or your exemption.
Oregon: snap.abawdteam@odhs.oregon.gov or 833-947-1694. Washington: 877-501-2233 or a Community Services Office.