By: Tiffany Sebourn
Are you a SNAP participant between age 18 and 65? You may be impacted by new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Here are five things you should know to maintain your SNAP benefits:
New federal guidelines require “able-bodied adult without dependents” who receive SNAP to work, volunteer or participate in job training at least 20 hours a week.
The HR1 Big Beautiful Bill Act updated the definition of an “able bodied adult without dependents.” You may be considered an “able-bodied adult without dependents” or “ABAWD” if you are between age 18 and 64 and you
Do not live with dependents under age 14
Or
Do not have a disability
Able bodied adults without dependents who do not meet work requirements may only receive SNAP for three months during a period of three years (2025-2027) if they do not meet work requirements.
Community members with disabilities and Tennesseans who meet certain conditions may be exempt from SNAP work requirements and should submit documentation (personal records) to verify they are eligible for an exemption from SNAP work requirements.
SNAP recipients who believe they qualify for an exemption to work requirements can upload verification documents via the One DHS Customer Portal at OneDHS.TN.Gov. Tennesseans that participated in SNAP in 2025 should submit documents immediately.
Details about new federal guidelines and employment resources for SNAP participants in Tennessee can be found at: https://www.tn.gov/…/supple…/snap-abawd-information.html.
