Medicaid Work Requirements If You Get SNAP or TANF
You shouldn't have to meet two sets of work rules. Many people who get food stamps or cash assistance are excused from Medicaid's.
Short answer: If your household gets SNAP and you are subject to a SNAP work rule (either SNAP's general work rules or its time limit), you are excluded from the Medicaid requirement. You do not have to prove you are meeting SNAP's rules. If you get TANF cash assistance, you are excluded when you are meeting your state's TANF work requirements.
The SNAP rule
Federal law excludes a person who "is a member of a household that receives [SNAP] benefits ... and is not exempt from a work requirement" under the Food and Nutrition Act (sec. 1902(xx)(9)(A)(ii)(VI)(bb)). CMS reads "not exempt from" as "subject to" (42 CFR 435.554(c)(7)) and says:
- SNAP has two work rules: the general work rules (ages 16 to 59) and the time limit for adults without dependents (now ages 18 to 64). Being subject to either one is enough.
- Your state does not need to confirm you are actually meeting SNAP's rules. It only checks that your household gets SNAP and that you are not exempt.
This means, for example, a 62-year-old on SNAP who is covered by SNAP's time limit is excluded from the Medicaid requirement.
If you are exempt from SNAP's work rules
Then this exclusion does not apply, but you are often exempt from Medicaid's rule for another reason. For example:
- Exempt from SNAP because you work 30 hours a week: that is about 130 hours a month, more than Medicaid's 80.
- Exempt from SNAP because you care for a young child: Medicaid exempts parents and caretakers of a child 13 or younger.
- Exempt from SNAP because you are unfit for work: you may be medically frail for Medicaid.
The TANF rule
Federal law also excludes a person who "is in compliance with any requirements imposed by the State pursuant to section 407," the TANF work rules (sec. 1902(xx)(9)(A)(ii)(VI)(aa)). Unlike SNAP, you must be meeting your state's TANF work rules. CMS did not set one national definition of compliance, because each state runs TANF differently. Most adults on TANF are also exempt as parents of a child 13 or younger.
What proof is usually needed
CMS told states to get this information from their SNAP and TANF agencies and not to rely on reports from you. Keep your latest SNAP or TANF approval notice in case your state asks.
What to do next
- Check whether your SNAP notice says you must meet work rules. See the SNAP work requirement checker.
- Use the free checker to see if the rule applies to you and which exemptions may fit.
- Read the full list of exemptions.
- Find your state guide for start dates, how to report, and who to call.
- Got a notice? You have at least 30 days to answer, and you can ask for a fair hearing. See what to do about a notice.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting SNAP make me exempt from Medicaid work requirements?
Yes, if you are in a SNAP household and subject to SNAP's general work rules or its time limit. If you are exempt from all SNAP work rules, check the other Medicaid exemptions.
Do I have to be meeting SNAP's 80 hours?
No. CMS says the state does not need to confirm you are complying with SNAP's work rules, only that you are subject to them.
Does TANF make me exempt?
Yes, if you are meeting your state's TANF work requirements. Most TANF adults are also exempt as parents of a child 13 or younger.
Do I need to send my SNAP notice to Medicaid?
Usually not. Your state should get SNAP and TANF information from those agencies. Keep the notice in case it asks.