SNAP Work Requirements Now Apply Statewide in Oregon Starting December 2025

SALEM, Ore. Oregon has begun applying federal SNAP work rules in every county as of December 1, 2025, following new federal law and the early end of statewide waivers. The change affects about 37,000 people today, with more Oregonians expected to be impacted over time.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ended Oregon’s work-rule waivers in November 2025. These waivers had allowed most counties to exempt people from work requirements because of limited job opportunities. They were originally set to last until December 31, 2025 but were ended early by USDA. The new federal law that took effect July 4, 2025 also expanded who must follow these rules.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has notified everyone who is affected and encourages anyone with questions to contact ODHS right away.

The rules apply to adults who have Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents status, known as ABAWD. Beginning December 1, 2025 the work rules now apply to:

• Adults ages 18 to 64
• Adults who do not have children under age 14 in their SNAP household

This is a significant expansion. Previously, the rules applied only to adults up to age 54 and households without children under age 18.

Groups newly required to meet ABAWD rules now include:

• Veterans
• People who were in foster care
• People experiencing homelessness

A new exemption has been added. People who are enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, or who have a parent or grandparent who is a member, do not have to meet ABAWD requirements. People who live on certain Tribal lands are also exempt.

People living on the following Tribal lands are exempt from ABAWD rules, even if they are not enrolled members or descendants:

• Burns Paiute Tribe Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land
• Coquille Indian Tribe Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Reservation
• Klamath Tribes Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Reservation and off Reservation Trust Land

A full list of exemptions is available on the ODHS SNAP Work Rules website.

People with ABAWD status who do not qualify for an exemption must:

• Work or participate in approved work or training activities for at least 80 hours each month. Work may be paid or unpaid, including trading work for shelter.

If they do not meet the requirement:

• They may only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a three year period.

For example, a person who does not meet the requirement in January, February and March will lose food benefits beginning in April. The current three year period ends December 31, 2027. People may regain benefits if their situation changes, such as moving to a waived area or qualifying for an exemption.

Anyone who thinks these rules may apply to them should contact the ODHS ABAWD Unit as soon as possible.

Phone: 1-833-947-1694
Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

ODHS can help determine:

• If someone qualifies for an exemption
• If they already meet the work rules
• If they should work with the Oregon Employment Department to create a work or training plan

ODHS and the Oregon Employment Department are partnering to help SNAP recipients meet work requirements through job search assistance, training and education services. A referral from ODHS is required to access these OED services.

Information provided by Oregon Department of Human Services