The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program connects food stamp recipients with job skills training, vocational education, and work experience at no cost to participants. Every state runs its own version of the program, and the rules around who must participate, which activities are offered, and what supportive services are available vary considerably from one state to the next. This guide covers what changed in 2026, how each state structures its E&T program, and how to find and enroll in services where you live.
What Is SNAP E&T?
SNAP E&T is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps SNAP recipients build the skills and work experience they need to find stable employment. The USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA, formerly FNS) requires every state to operate an E&T program and submit an annual state plan, but beyond that baseline, states have wide latitude to design their own approach.
Participants can access services like:
- Job search assistance and job readiness workshops
- Vocational and occupational skills training
- GED and high school equivalency preparation
- Work experience placements
- On-the-job training
- Adult basic education
- Case management and career counseling
- Supportive services: transportation reimbursements, childcare assistance, uniforms, tools, and test fees
Federal law does not require states to make participation mandatory. States may run an entirely voluntary program or designate certain groups as mandatory participants. If your state assigns you to a mandatory E&T activity, you must participate to keep receiving SNAP.
Major Changes in 2026
Two developments significantly changed who faces work and training requirements in 2026.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 2025). This federal law expanded SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) in several ways:
- The ABAWD age ceiling rose from 54 to 64. Adults aged 55 through 64 who were previously exempt must now meet the 80-hours-per-month work, training, or volunteer requirement to avoid losing SNAP after three months.
- The caregiver exemption narrowed. Previously, a parent or caregiver living with a child under 18 was exempt from ABAWD rules. The law lowered that threshold to age 14. Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older now face work requirements.
- Veterans, youth who have aged out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness lost their automatic exemptions from ABAWD time limits.
- Geographic waivers for high-unemployment areas are no longer available to residents of the contiguous 48 states or Washington, D.C. Only Alaska and Hawaii may qualify for waivers if their unemployment rate is at least 1.5 times the national rate.
Starting March 1, 2026, ABAWDs aged 18 through 64 must document at least 80 hours per month of work, education, or volunteering. Beginning June 2026, benefits can be suspended for recipients who do not meet this threshold.
Arkansas launched mandatory E&T. On April 1, 2026, Arkansas moved from a voluntary to a mandatory SNAP E&T program (called SNAP Works). ABAWDs, adults with school-aged children, and other non-exempt adults must now participate in designated activities to keep their benefits.
Who Is Exempt from SNAP E&T Requirements?
Even in states with mandatory programs, many categories of people are exempt:
| Category | Exempt? |
|---|
| Under 16 or 65 and older | Yes |
| Physically or mentally unable to work | Yes |
| Pregnant | Yes |
| Caring for a child under age 14 | Yes (post-OBBBA threshold) |
| Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits | Yes |
| Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program | Yes |
| Currently meeting TANF work requirements | Yes |
| Enrolled in school or vocational training at least half-time | Yes |
If you fall into any of these categories, you are generally not required to participate in E&T activities, though you may still choose to enroll voluntarily and access supportive services.
SNAP E&T Income Limits and Eligibility
SNAP E&T is available to SNAP recipients, so you must first qualify for SNAP itself. The federal gross income limit is 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some states have broader rules.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (130% FPL, 2026) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,632 |
| 2 | $2,208 |
| 3 | $2,784 |
| 4 | $3,360 |
| 5 | $3,936 |
| 6 | $4,512 |
| 7 | $5,088 |
| 8 | $5,664 |
| Each additional member | +$576 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. A handful of states use categorical eligibility rules that raise the income threshold to 200 percent FPL or higher. If you currently receive SNAP, you are already SNAP-eligible and can inquire about E&T services through your local benefits office.
State-by-State SNAP E&T Programs Index
The table below summarizes how each state structures its E&T program. Contact information and program names reflect 2026 state plans. For the most current details, visit your state's human services agency or the FNA state plans page at fns.usda.gov/snap-et/stateplan.
| State | Program Name / Agency | Mandatory or Voluntary | Key Activities | Contact |
|---|
| Alabama | SNAP E&T / DHR | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, work experience | dhr.alabama.gov |
| Alaska | SNAP E&T / DHSS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, GED | dhss.alaska.gov |
| Arizona | SNAP E&T / DES | Voluntary | Job search, case management, education | des.az.gov |
| Arkansas | SNAP Works / DHS | Mandatory (as of April 2026) | Work activities, job search, vocational skills | dhs.arkansas.gov |
| California | CalWORKs / SNAP E&T / CDSS | Voluntary (non-CalWORKs) | Job readiness, education, community college partnerships | cdss.ca.gov |
| Colorado | SNAP E&T / CDHS | Voluntary | Vocational training, job search, work experience | cdhs.colorado.gov |
| Connecticut | SNAP E&T / DSS | Voluntary | Job readiness, job search, skills training | portal.ct.gov/dss |
| Delaware | SNAP E&T / DHSS | Voluntary | Job search, vocational training | dhss.delaware.gov |
| Florida | SNAP E&T / DCF | Mandatory (for ABAWDs and non-exempt adults) | Job search, work experience, on-the-job training | myflfamilies.com |
| Georgia | SNAP E&T / DFCS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training | dfcs.georgia.gov |
| Hawaii | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job search, education, skills training | humanservices.hawaii.gov |
| Idaho | SNAP E&T / DHW | Voluntary | Job search, vocational training, work experience | healthandwelfare.idaho.gov |
| Illinois | SNAP E&T / IDHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, education, skills training | dhs.illinois.gov |
| Indiana | SNAP E&T / FSSA | Voluntary | Job search, vocational skills, work experience | in.gov/fssa |
| Iowa | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, job search, training | hhs.iowa.gov |
| Kansas | SNAP E&T / DCF | Voluntary | Job search, education, skills training | dcf.ks.gov |
| Kentucky | SNAP E&T / CHFS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, work experience | chfs.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | SNAP E&T / DCFS | Voluntary | Job search, vocational skills, education | dcfs.louisiana.gov |
| Maine | SNAP E&T / DHHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, education, training | maine.gov/dhhs |
| Maryland | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Assessment, education, skills training, job retention | dhs.maryland.gov |
| Massachusetts | SNAP E&T / DTA | Voluntary | Job readiness, career training, community college | dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov |
| Michigan | SNAP E&T / MDHHS | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, work experience | michigan.gov/mdhhs |
| Minnesota | SNAP E&T / DCYF | Voluntary | Vocational training, job search, work experience | dcyf.mn.gov |
| Mississippi | SNAP E&T / MDHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, skills training | mdhs.ms.gov |
| Missouri | SNAP E&T / DSS | Voluntary | Job search, education, vocational training | dss.mo.gov |
| Montana | SNAP E&T / DPHHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, skills training, work experience | dphhs.mt.gov |
| Nebraska | SNAP E&T / DHHS | Voluntary | Job search, vocational training, education | dhhs.ne.gov |
| Nevada | SNAP E&T / DWSS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, education | dwss.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | SNAP E&T / DHHS | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, work experience | dhhs.nh.gov |
| New Jersey | NJ SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, education | nj.gov/humanservices |
| New Mexico | SNAP E&T / HSD | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, education | hsd.state.nm.us |
| New York | SNAP E&T / OTDA | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, work experience | otda.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | SNAP E&T / DHHS | Voluntary | Job search, education, skills training | ncdhhs.gov |
| North Dakota | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, work experience | nd.gov/dhs |
| Ohio | SNAP E&T / ODF | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, education | jfs.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, work experience | okdhs.org |
| Oregon | SNAP E&T / ODE / OHA | Voluntary | Job search, community college, skills training | oregon.gov/odhs |
| Pennsylvania | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, education, vocational training | dhs.pa.gov |
| Rhode Island | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job search, vocational training, work experience | dhs.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | SNAP E&T / DSS | Voluntary | Job readiness, skills training, education | dss.sc.gov |
| South Dakota | SNAP E&T / DSS | Voluntary | Job search, vocational training, work experience | dss.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | SNAP E&T / TDHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, skills training, vocational training | tn.gov/humanservices |
| Texas | SNAP E&T / TWC + HHSC | Mandatory (age 16 to 59, under 30 hrs/week) | Job search, work experience, skills training, education | twc.texas.gov |
| Utah | SNAP E&T / DWS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, education | jobs.utah.gov |
| Vermont | SNAP E&T / DCF | Voluntary | Job search, education, skills training | dcf.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | SNAP E&T / DSS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, work experience | dss.virginia.gov |
| Washington | SNAP E&T / DSHS | Voluntary | Job search, education, skills training, work experience | dshs.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | SNAP E&T / DHHR | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, education | dhhr.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job search, skills training, work experience | dhs.wisconsin.gov |
| Wyoming | SNAP E&T / DFS | Voluntary | Job readiness, vocational training, education | wyo211.org |
| Washington, D.C. | SNAP E&T / DHS | Voluntary | Job readiness, job search, education, vocational training | dhs.dc.gov |
Note: Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are not required to operate SNAP E&T programs and do not submit E&T state plans to FNA.
What Activities Count Toward SNAP E&T?
Federal rules define allowable E&T components. States choose which ones to offer, and most states offer several. Common components include:
Job Search and Job Readiness. Resume writing, interview skills, and supervised job search. Many states offer group workshops or individual coaching sessions.
Vocational and Occupational Skills Training. Certification programs in fields like healthcare, construction, IT, commercial driving, and food service. Duration varies but is typically 3 to 12 months.
Education. GED preparation, adult basic literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and community college coursework. Education components must be tied to employment goals.
Work Experience. Short-term, unpaid placements with employers to build practical skills. Usually limited to 90 to 180 days.
On-the-Job Training (OJT). Paid placements where the employer trains the worker. The SNAP E&T program may reimburse part of the employer's training costs.
Job Retention Services. Support to help recently employed SNAP recipients keep their jobs, including counseling and referrals for the first 90 days after employment.
Self-Employment Training. Assistance for participants pursuing small business ownership, available in some states.
Supportive Services Available Through SNAP E&T
One of the most useful and underutilized aspects of SNAP E&T is supportive services. These are benefits provided to help you participate in an E&T activity and are separate from your monthly food benefit. Services may include:
- Transportation reimbursements (bus passes, mileage, or rideshare credits)
- Dependent care payments while you attend training
- Books, supplies, and course materials
- Work uniforms or safety equipment
- Fees for licensing exams and professional certifications
- Interview clothing
Not every state offers every type of support, and funding is limited. Ask your case manager about supportive services as early as possible in the enrollment process.
How the 50/50 Third-Party Funding Model Works
States can bring in community colleges, nonprofits, and community-based organizations as third-party providers. These organizations use their own non-federal funds to pay for eligible E&T services. The state then submits those costs to FNA and receives a 50 percent federal reimbursement. This 50/50 match model allows states to dramatically expand the reach of SNAP E&T beyond what direct state funding alone would support.
If you work for an organization that already serves low-income job seekers, this model may let you partner with your state SNAP office to access federal reimbursement for services you are already providing. Contact your state SNAP E&T administrator to ask about third-party provider agreements.
How to Enroll in SNAP E&T
The process varies by state, but the steps below apply in most places.
Step 1: Confirm SNAP eligibility. You must be an active SNAP recipient to access E&T services. If you are not yet enrolled, use the free eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA to check your eligibility before applying.
Step 2: Contact your local SNAP office. Call, visit, or go online to your state's human services agency. Tell them you are interested in SNAP E&T and ask whether there are mandatory requirements in your case.
Step 3: Complete an assessment. Most programs start with a skills and goals assessment. A case manager will review your work history, education, barriers to employment, and career interests.
Step 4: Create a participation plan. You and your case manager will identify which activities fit your goals and schedule. The plan will list specific components, hours of participation, and any supportive services you qualify for.
Step 5: Begin activities and document participation. Attend your assigned training, education sessions, or job search activities. Keep records of your hours and report them to your case manager on schedule. If your state requires participation, failure to report can result in benefit suspension.
Step 6: Report employment when you get a job. If you land a job through E&T, notify your SNAP office. You may continue to receive SNAP for a period while transitioning, and job retention services may be available for the first 90 days.
SNAP E&T and the ABAWD Time Limit
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to a three-month time limit on SNAP benefits unless they meet a work requirement. Participating in an approved SNAP E&T activity satisfies this requirement. This is a critical distinction: if you are an ABAWD and enroll in SNAP E&T, you are not at risk of losing benefits due to the time limit as long as you remain active in the program.
After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the ABAWD category now includes adults aged 18 through 64 (up from 18 through 54). If you are between 55 and 64 and were not previously subject to these rules, the change took effect in early 2026. Enrolling in a SNAP E&T activity is one way to maintain your benefits while you work toward employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SNAP E&T mandatory in every state?
No. Federal law requires every state to operate an E&T program, but it does not require states to make participation mandatory. Most states run voluntary programs. As of 2026, states with mandatory participation for at least some participants include Texas, Florida, Arkansas (as of April 2026), and a handful of others. Check your state's current rules with your local SNAP office.
Can I choose which E&T activity to participate in?
In most voluntary programs, you and your case manager work together to select activities that align with your goals. In mandatory programs, the state may assign specific activities. Either way, case managers generally try to match you to training relevant to your employment objectives.
Do I lose SNAP if I fail to comply with E&T requirements?
If your state places you in a mandatory E&T activity and you do not comply without a good cause reason, you can be disqualified from SNAP. The disqualification period varies by state and by how many times you have been found non-compliant. Always communicate with your case manager if you have a conflict or barrier.
What counts as "good cause" for missing E&T activities?
Good cause typically includes illness or injury, a family emergency, lack of transportation or childcare, a natural disaster, or an employer schedule change. Document your reason and report it to your case manager as soon as possible. States have discretion in determining good cause.
How are SNAP E&T programs funded?
The federal government provides 100 percent reimbursement for mandatory E&T costs up to each state's annual allocation. For voluntary E&T programs, the federal government reimburses 50 percent of allowable costs. States can also access additional funds through third-party provider partnerships that use the 50/50 match model.
Can I participate in SNAP E&T if I am already working part-time?
Yes, in most states. If you work fewer than 30 hours per week and still receive SNAP, you may be eligible for E&T services to help you increase your hours or find better-paying work. Some states specifically target working part-time SNAP recipients for skills training.
Where can I find my state's SNAP E&T state plan?
The USDA Food and Nutrition Administration posts approved state plans at fns.usda.gov/snap-et/stateplan. Plans are updated annually and show which activities each state offers and how the program is structured.
Does SNAP E&T help with childcare costs?
Many states provide dependent care reimbursements as part of their supportive services. These payments cover some or all of the cost of childcare while you attend E&T activities. Availability and amounts vary. Ask your case manager about dependent care support when you enroll.
What if there are no SNAP E&T slots available in my area?
If a mandatory program has insufficient slots, states are generally required to exempt participants from mandatory participation until a slot opens. In voluntary programs, limited funding may mean waitlists exist. Keep checking back with your case manager, and in the meantime, document any informal job search activities in case you need to show compliance.
How does SNAP E&T connect to other workforce programs?
SNAP E&T often coordinates with the American Job Centers (workforce development centers funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA). Many states use the same network of providers, and participants in one program may be co-enrolled in both. Ask your E&T case manager or local American Job Center about combined services.
Use the BenefitsUSA free screener to check whether you qualify for SNAP, then contact your state's SNAP office to learn about E&T programs in your area. If your state is not listed with specific details above, your state's human services agency website is the most reliable current source for program availability and enrollment steps.
