Eligibility - Work Requirements

SNAP participants between the ages of 16 through 59 who are not specifically exempted by law are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not reside with a child under 14, and who are physically and mentally fit for work are subject to Able-bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules and time limits. There are some exceptions to the ABAWD work rules. Learn more about the ABAWD work exceptions on our Able-bodied Adults without Dependents Frequently Asked Questions page. .

Individuals subject to the ABAWD Time Limit Rules can only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they are working or in an allowable activity for at least 80 hours a month.

When you apply for SNAP, you agree to the following work requirements:

Register for work This is done automatically at application, recertification, and/or when someone gets added to your SNAP household.

Provide job status or availability for work on Applications, Recertifications, Interim Reporting Forms (IRF) and upon request from your County Social Service Agency (CSSA).

Accept a job if it is offered to you unless it is unsuitable. Examples of an unsuitable job offer include: Your commute would be over 2 hours per day You don't have regular transportation to and from the job The job pays less than the state or federal minimum wage

Not voluntarily quit your job or reduce your work hours below 30 hours a week without a good reason

Comply with the Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF) work assistance, if you also receive WFNJ/TANF cash assistance

Comply with the New Jersey Department of Labor requirements, if you receive unemployment insurance benefits

Meet the Able-bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) rules as well as the SNAP Basic Work Rules, if you are determined to be subject to the ABAWD Time Limit. Learn more in our ABAWD Frequently Asked Questions .

If you are required to register for work, you may be referred to you local One-Stop Career Center to learn more about the services offered there and potentially be referred to an educational or training program free of charge.

The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program offers a wide range of opportunities to help you find training, skills, and work that’s right for you. E&T is a completely voluntary program. There are no penalties if you choose not to participate, or if you do participate and later decide to stop. E&T participants are eligible to receive help with expenses incurred while participating in the program, such as transportation, dependent care, or other costs necessary for participating, such as uniforms, books or supplies. E&T services are a combined effort between the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), and community partnerships.