Thousands of Minnesotans are staring down a spring deadline that could knock them off SNAP, as new federal rules broaden work requirements and shrink exemptions. The changes make more adults subject to time limits and require proof that recipients are working, training or volunteering about 20 hours a week to keep benefits. Recipients and local food-shelf operators say the timing and paperwork are a rough combo for people who are already one missed shift away from an empty pantry.
What changed and who it covers
Under the updated federal law and state guidance, more people are now classified as "able-bodied adults without dependents" and can be cut off after three months if they do not meet the work test, Minnesota officials say. According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, the age range subject to the time limit now runs from 18 to 64, and households no longer get a parent exemption unless they live with a child under 14. The state also notes that county waivers tied to low job counts ended on Dec. 1, 2025, so fewer places now qualify to pause enforcement.
One Minnesotan's story
In a profile by MPR News, 58-year-old Joseph Myers of St. Peter, a regular volunteer at his local food shelf, said he expects to lose his benefits in April 2026 because he does not meet the new work-reporting standard. His experience highlights how the rules can scoop up people who work sporadically, provide care for others or are active in their communities, yet cannot consistently document 80 hours of qualifying activity each month.
How many could be affected
Federal data show that states have only a limited number of "discretionary exemptions" they can use to extend eligibility. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service has allocated Minnesota 10,069 such exemptions for fiscal year 2026, a finite pool that officials must spread across months. The federal rulemaking that put the changes into effect estimated that the age-limit shift alone could cause roughly 301,000 people to lose SNAP eligibility in FY2026, according to the Federal Register. Looking at the longer horizon, AP News reported projections that the broader policy package could reduce participation by millions over a decade.
Local strain and safety nets
County leaders and national associations warn that the extra screening, verification and reporting duties place a heavy administrative load on already understaffed human services offices. That raises the risk of mistakes that wrongly cut eligible people off from benefits. The National Association of Counties has urged a cautious rollout to limit those errors and the staffing crunch they can trigger. Some Minnesota counties have already tried to brace their local safety nets; Hoodline reported that Ramsey County created a $450,000 emergency fund for food shelves following benefit disruptions last fall.
What to do if you're affected
Minnesotans who think they may fall under the new time-limited rules are urged to contact their county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker and review the state's SNAP Employment & Training resources. Per the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, residents can call 651-539-7700 for help, ask counties to review whether they qualify for an exemption, or look up local training providers that meet the work requirement.
