To keep getting SNAP food benefits in Delaware, you must be able to show you meet the work requirements of the federal government. This means you must spend at least 80 hours every month working and/or participating in the SNAP Employment and Training Program. These new rules are part of the federal budget bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. If you cannot prove that you meet the new work requirements, you risk losing your SNAP benefits.

If you live in Delaware and currently get SNAP food benefits, and you fall under the new work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), you must be able to prove that you spend at least 80 hours working and/or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program each month. If you do not meet these new federal work requirements, you risk losing your SNAP food benefits. Under the federal government’s SNAP work requirements, effective November 1, 2025, you are considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) and no longer exempt from work requirements if you: • Currently receive food benefits. • Are 18-64 years old. • Do not have children under 14 living with you. • Are physically and mentally able to work. Note: Being homeless, a veteran, or in foster care at the age of 18 is no longer considered an exemption from work requirements.

It is your responsibility to contact your case manager at 1-866-843-7212 to prove you are meeting the SNAP work requirements or have an approved documented exemption. It is also very important to keep your contact information up-to-date with the Delaware Division of Social Services so we can reach you with any new information about your SNAP food benefits. Talk with your case manager, visit a Delaware State Service Center, or call 1-866-843-7212 to let us know if your contact information changes, or if your health or living situation changes and may qualify you for an exemption.

If your SNAP benefits are at risk of ending February 1, 2026, DHSS mailed you an official notice in December 2025 through the U.S. Postal Service to the address we have on file for you. This letter notified you of the change in federal work requirements and reminded you to verify your information with your DSS case worker. It is your responsibility to update your case manager with your work information, or proof of an approved exemption from work requirements. It is also your responsibility to make sure we have a current mailing address to reach you. Watch your mail for official letters from DHSS. If you have not yet received a notice, you will receive a notice that your SNAP benefits are at risk to end in the coming months if you do not prove that you meet work requirements or have an approved exemption by the required date.

If you believe you are unable to work due to a disability, contact your case manager at 1-866-843-7212 for a Medical Exemption Form to be completed and signed by your doctor.

If you need help finding and keeping a job, the Delaware Division of Social Services SNAP Employment and Training program can help you learn work skills, find a job, or choose an education or job training program. Participating in this program also counts toward the SNAP work requirements so you continue to get SNAP food benefits. Contact Career Team at 302-654-4949 or teamdelaware@careerteam.com.

If your work hours drop below 80 hours a month (20 hours per week), you must let your case manager know within 10 days. Call 1-866-843-7212.

Starting November 1, 2025: • The upper age limit for SNAP work exemptions changed from 54 to 64. This means if you are between the ages of 55 and 64, you are no longer exempt from SNAP work requirements based on age alone. • The exemption based on the age of a child living with you changed from 18 to 14. This means if you have a child living with you who is 14 or older, you are no longer exempt from SNAP work requirements based on the child’s age alone. • The exemption from SNAP work requirements for those who are homeless ended October 31, 2025. • The exemption from SNAP work requirements for those who are veterans ended October 31, 2025. • The exemption for those who were in foster care on their 18th birthday ended October 31, 2025. This means you are no longer exempt until age 24. • New exceptions were added for an “Indian”, “Urban Indian”, and “California Indian” as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

• Note: the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) waived the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement for November 2025 due to the federal government shutdown and uncertainty around November benefits.

You may be exempt from the SNAP work requirements if you can say yes to at least one of these exemptions: • You are younger than age 18. • You are age 65 or older. (Note: The federal government changed this from 54 to 64 on 11/1/2025) • You are unable to work because of a physical or mental health reason. • You are pregnant. • You are an “Indian,” “Urban Indian,” or “California Indian” as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. (Note: The federal government added these exemptions on 11/1/2025.) • You are living with someone in your house who is younger than age 14. (Note: The federal government changed this exemption from 18 to 14 on 11/1/2025) • You are taking care of a child younger than age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themself. • You are already working at least 30 hours a week. • You are already earning $217.50 or more per week in wages. • You are receiving unemployment benefits, or you applied for unemployment benefits. • You are going to school, college, or a training program at least half time. • You are meeting the work rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). • You are participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program. If you said yes to at least one of these exemptions, talk to your case manager or call 1-866-843-7212. If your exemption is approved, you will continue to receive your SNAP food benefits.

Yes. It is your responsibility to contact your case manager to prove you are meeting the SNAP work requirements.

Delaware officials cannot change the rules of this federal law, but we are here to help you learn what you need to do to keep getting your SNAP food benefits. Contact your case manager at 1-866-843-7212 or visit a Delaware State Service Center to prove you are meeting the new work requirements, so you do not lose your SNAP benefits.

Delaware is a state of neighbors who care about one another. If you need help stretching your food budget, these resources may be able to help: Delaware 211 Food Assistance | Delaware 211 • Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372 • Text your ZIP code to 898-211 Food Bank of Delaware: Food Bank of Delaware Community Food Pantries • New Castle County: (302) 292-1305 • Kent and Sussex Counties: (302) 424-3301 Delaware State Service Center Food Pantries • Delaware State Service Center Locations

To check your balance, visit www.ConnectEBT.com or call 1-800-526-9099. Don’t forget to lock your card, protect your PIN, and stay SNAP safe!