Starting September 1st, some SNAP participants will face new time limits in the following six counties:

  • Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill

The rest of Oregon will implement these time limits starting January 1st, 2026.

While time limits have been in place previously, Oregon has not been required to put these time limits in place in recent years.

If you are subject to the “Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents” (ABAWD) work rules, you will only be able to get SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period unless you report 80 hours of “work activities.”

You are an “Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents” (ABAWD) if you:

  • Are 18 through 54, and
  • Do not have a child under 18 receiving SNAP, or
  • Do not have a work exemption

If you have an ABAWD status you will be required to do 80 hours of work activities a month through:

  • Paid employment (including self-employment).
  • Unpaid work activities (such as bartering or volunteering).
  • Participating in a SNAP Employment and Training Program.
  • A combination of work and other activities.

You may already meet the work requirements.

Some individuals may already meet the ABAWD work rules and just need to send proof of this:

  • Work for pay at least 30 hours a week or earn $935.25 a month before taxes.
  • Self-employed and earn at least $935.25 without business costs (before taxes) or earn at least $1870.50 a month and have business costs (before taxes).
  • Have applied for or are receiving unemployment benefits.
  • Do barter work (ex: working in exchange for housing).
  • Are volunteering or doing community service.

You may be exempt from work requirements.

You might qualify an exemption if you:

  • Are pregnant or have a child under 18 and get food benefits with them.
  • Can’t work because of a mental, behavioral or physical health condition.
  • Attend school or a training program at least half-time, or participate in an alcohol or drug treatment program.
  • Are a refugee enrolled in a training plan through IRCO or a similar program.
  • Provide care for someone with a disability
  • Are participating in the TANF JOBS program.
  • You are a veteran.
  • You are under age 25 and were in foster care when you turned 18.
  • You are experiencing homelessness.

You must report these exemptions every time you apply or reapply for SNAP.

What you can do:

  • If you think you qualify for an exemption to the work rules, apply for that now.
  • We encourage folks to still apply for SNAP and use their SNAP benefits – three months of support is better than nothing.
  • Do what you can do set up a job, volunteer, or training.
    • Oregon Education Department can support with training, funds, and continued support.

Expanded time limits are coming from Congress.

Stay tuned: The federal Republican budget bill also further expands who must comply with work requirements, for example ABAWD status will expand to those up to 65 years old (currently 54) and parents of teenagers.

There is not yet a clear timeline for when these will take effect.