Food Stamp Program

Food Stamps and Work Requirements

What are the work requirements under the Food Stamp Program?
There may be work requirements clients may need to follow in order to receive their food stamps. These requirements may vary in each state, so check with your state or local food stamp office to see if they apply.

With some exceptions, clients that are not in secondary school between the ages of 16 and 60 must:

• Register for work
• Accept suitable employment
• Take part in an employment and training program to which they are referred by the food stamp office

If your clients fail to comply with these requirements, they may risk becoming ineligible for food stamps.

In addition, clients between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have any dependent children can get food stamps only for three months in a 36-month period if they do not work or participate in a workfare or employment and training program other than job search. This requirement is waived in some locations.

Can an applicant be exempt from the Food Stamp work requirement?
Yes. The following groups of people are exempt from food stamp work requirements:

• Persons under age 18 if they are still in secondary school and persons over age 60
• Persons responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 6 or an incapacitated person
• Persons enrolled in a residential drug addiction or alcohol rehabilitation program
• Persons found to be “unfit” for work

How can my client demonstrate that they are unable to work?
The Food Stamp Program will evaluate whether your clients are “unfit for work.” You can help your clients meet this standard in one of two ways:

• By submitting a letter from a physician or a psychiatrist describing your client’s inability to work
• By demonstrating that your clients are receiving other income support because of a disability - such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What if my client refuses to comply with the work requirements?
If your clients refuse to comply with the work requirements for food stamps, they may be disqualified from receiving those benefits. If your clients can demonstrate good cause for non-compliance, they should file for a fair hearing.