New work requirements for the Supplemental Food Assistance Program known as SNAP, went into effect on Nov. 1. The new rule change will impact several counties in central and northern Michigan.
To be eligible for the program, abled-bodied adults are now required to work or volunteer for 80 hours per month. Pregnant women and parents with children under 14 are exempt from this rule.
“The SNAP work requirements affect thousands of individuals who rely on food assistance to help meet basic needs,” said Amy Epkey, the acting Director of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services.
“Our priority is ensuring that participants understand what these changes mean and where to find help.”
In the past, several counties in central and northern Michigan had been exempt from that rule.
But now, residents in Alger, Arenac, Iosco, Iron, Luce, Montmorency, Oceana, and Roscommon counties and Bay City are now required to meet the new requirements to keep their federal food assistance.
Ahmad Sabbagh, with Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services said those who don’t meet the requirements won’t immediately lose benefits.
"They can still get three months of food assistance before they're bumped off,” Sabbagh said. “Once they meet the work requirements, they can get back on. "
Policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was passed in July of 2025 are responsible for the changes to SNAP work requirements. The bill has also "harder for areas of states to qualify" for federal waivers, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service.
Some areas in Michigan still qualify for those waivers.
Residents in Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Schoolcraft counties and the cities of Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson and Saginaw are still exempt from meeting SNAP work requirements.
According to a news release from Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services, a SNAP recipient may be excused from meeting work requirements if they meet any of the following federal criteria:
• Are physically or mentally unable to work.
• Receive Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance due to disability or blindness
or receive Supplemental Security Income or State Disability Assistance.
• Are pregnant.
• Receive or are an applicant for unemployment benefits.
• Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.
• Attend training or college at least half-time and meet the student eligibility criteria to
receive food assistance.
• Care for an incapacitated person or a child under age 6 living in or outside of their
household.
• Reside in a household with a child under age 14.
• Are an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian.
“We are doing our best to make sure we're communicating with the public and people who are currently receiving SNAP benefits to make sure they understand the new requirements,” Sabbagh said. “And as long as they fall under any one of those categories, they continue to receive their benefits.”
