SNAP Work Rules Have Changed in South Carolina: What the ABAWD Updates Mean 

SNAP Work Rules Have Changed in South Carolina: What the ABAWD Updates Mean 

Recent changes to federal law are bringing updates to SNAP work requirements in South Carolina. Starting February 2, 2026, in our state, some adults who receive SNAP may be required to meet new work rules in order to continue receiving benefits. 

If you or the people you serve rely on SNAP, here is the most important thing to know up front: no one loses benefits overnight, and many people remain exempt from these rules. Understanding the changes early can help prevent confusion and avoid unnecessary loss of food assistance. 

To report an ABAWD exemption or ask questions about your case, you can reach the SC DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309. 

What Are ABAWD Work Rules? 

ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. Under federal rules, some adults can only receive SNAP for three months in a three-year period unless they meet certain requirements. 

An adult subject to ABAWD rules can keep SNAP beyond three months if they: 

• Work at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week), or 

• Participate in approved job training, education, or community service for 80 hours per month, or 

• Qualify for an exemption from the work requirement. 

These rules have existed for 30 years, but who they apply to has rec

What Changed? 

As of November 1, 2025, new federal legislation expanded the group of SNAP recipients who may be subject to ABAWD work rules. Key changes include: 

• The age range increased from 18–54 to 18–64. 

• For households with children ages 14 to 17 only (meaning no children under age 14 in the home), adults are no longer automatically exempt. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who aged out of foster care are now evaluated under ABAWD rules. 

Because of these changes, many adults who were not previously affected may now receive notices from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) that they must meet new requirements in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. 

Who Is Still Exempt from SNAP Work Rules? 

Even with these changes, many people are still exempt from the ABAWD work requirement. Exemptions can include people who are: 

• Under age 18 or over age 65. 

• Pregnant. 

• Living with a child under age 14. 

• Taking care of a child under age 6. 

• Receiving disability-related benefits (such as SSI, SSDI, VA disability, Workers’ Compensation, or Medicaid disability). 

• Receiving unemployment benefits, or have applied for unemployment benefits. 

• Experiencing homelessness with barriers to work. 

• Experiencing domestic violence that impacts their ability to work. 

• Living with physical or mental health conditions that make it difficult to work. 

• Members of a Native American tribe. 

• Students who are enrolled at least part-time OR full-time for at least 6 months of the year. 

• Participating in a drug or alcohol addiction program. 

Important: Even if someone receives a notice saying they must meet work requirements, they may still qualify for an exemption. Notices are based on the information DSS has at the time and may not reflect recent changes or unreported circumstances. 

What Happens If Someone Is Subject to the Rules? 

People newly subject to ABAWD rules are evaluated when they apply for SNAP or when they complete a SNAP Recertification. 

If DSS determines that an adult must meet the work requirement, they will mail a notice explaining: 

• Who in the household must meet the rules. 

• When the requirement begins. 

• What counts as meeting the rules or qualifying for an exemption. 

If the rules are not met and no exemption is reported, DSS sends monthly warning notices before benefits are reduced or stopped.  

Steps People Can Take to Protect Their SNAP 

If someone may be affected by the ABAWD work rules, there are steps they can take to reduce risk: 

• Report exemptions as soon as possible, even if a notice was already received. 

• Keep copies of documents and written statements. 

• Volunteer or enroll in job training, if applicable. 

• Report “good cause” if something temporary prevents meeting work hours (such as illness, transportation issues, or family emergencies). 

• Ask questions and seek help; do not assume a notice is final. 

People who lose SNAP due to ABAWD rules have the right to reapply and may also be eligible for an appeal.  

To report an exemption or ask questions about your case, you can reach the SC DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.

Support Is Available 

SNAP rules are complex, and recent changes can make them harder to understand—especially for people already under stress. Community organizations, advocates, and benefits counselors can help individuals understand their options, report exemptions, and avoid unnecessary loss of food assistance. If you serve SNAP recipients, sharing accurate information and encouraging early action can make a meaningful difference. 

SC Thrive’s Role in Supporting SNAP Applicants 

As updates to SNAP work requirements roll out, we know individuals and families may have questions about how these changes affect their benefits. While our Contact Center team is still awaiting full guidance on some aspects of the new ABAWD rules, SC Thrive remains committed to our core mission: helping South Carolinians navigate the application process with confidence and care.  

Our role is to: 

• Share accurate, timely information as it is released by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).  

• Support clients through the application and recertification process—both through Thrive Hub at our Contact Center and across our statewide partner sites—ensuring applicants have the help they need at every step.  

• Ensure every applicant feels supported, especially as policies evolve or become more complex. 

It’s important to note that SC Thrive does not determine eligibility nor collect or process work or reporting requirements. Any questions about required monthly reporting, exemptions, work hours, or case-specific guidance must be directed to DSS, as they are the administering agency for SNAP in South Carolina. 

We will continue to update our resources and staff as more information becomes available from DSS, and we remain dedicated to helping individuals access the food assistance they need. 

Disclaimer  

SNAP policies are complex and individual circumstances vary. This information is provided for general education and should not be considered legal advice.