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Resource pages currently cover Kentucky and Indiana.

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Work rules for SNAP and Medicaid

  1. SNAP now: many adults must work or train 20 hours a week
  2. Medicaid from Jan 2027: some adults 19–64 need 80 hours a month, or $580 a month pay
  3. Many people don’t have to. See if you’re exempt
  4. Start saving proof now: pay stubs, hours, medical records
  5. Questions? Call kynect 1-855-459-6328

SNAP (food stamps): in effect now

  • Applies now to adults 18 to 64 only if they have no disability, no children under 14 at home, and no other exemption.

    Source
    The federal government defines ABAWDs as individuals between the ages of 18 through age 64 who have no disabilities, no children under 14 in their home, and no other exemptions.

    Kentucky CHFS — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Work or train an average of 20 hours a week (paid or unpaid). Otherwise SNAP stops after 3 months in a 3-year period.

    Source
    ABAWDs must work an average of at least 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid, or participate in the Employment and Training Program to meet these requirements. If the ABAWD does not meet these requirements, they will only be eligible to receive SNAP for three months during a 36-month period, unless they qualify for an exemption.

    Kentucky CHFS — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • In effect statewide since November 1, 2025. Elliott, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin and Wolfe counties are exempt since December 1, 2025.

    Source
    Effective November 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs) in all 120 counties will be subject to the ABAWD requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. Effective December 1, 2025, the counties of Elliott, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin and Wolfe will be exempt from ABAWD requirements.

    Kentucky CHFS — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Health keeps you from working 20 hours a week? A signed statement from a doctor, physician assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, psychologist or social worker can exempt you.

    Source
    If the unfitness is not obvious, provides a statement from a physician, physician's assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, designated representative of the physician's office, a licensed or certified psychologist, a social worker, or any other medical personnel the State agency determines appropriate, that he or she is physically or mentally unfit for employment.

    7 CFR 273.24(c), SNAP time-limit exceptions, checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Can't work because of your health? Tell DCBS. If it is not obvious, DCBS asks for proof, such as proof that you get disability benefits like SSI, a statement from your doctor or other health professional, or Kentucky's form FS-704. Ask your caseworker what your case needs and how to send it. DCBS decides whether it applies.

    Source
    If a mental or physical disability is claimed and the disability is not evident, verification is required. … Appropriate verification consists of, but is not limited to: a. Receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI); or b. A statement or form FS-704, Statement of Disability or Incapacity, from a physician, a licensed certified psychologist, a chiropractor who is licensed by the Kentucky State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a social worker, or a certified, licensed health professional commenting on a disability within the realm of their expertise.

    Kentucky DCBS Operations Manual, Volume IIA, MS 1650 Work Registration Exemptions (R. 9/1/26, OMTL-707), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • If a provider fills out FS-704 for you, you may have to pay for it.

    Source
    This individual is aware that he/she is responsible for any charges for services you provide.

    Kentucky DCBS form FS-704, Statement of Disability or Incapacity (04/17), from kynect's printable forms, checked Oct 6, 2026

Open form FS-704 (PDF, from kynect)

Medicaid: starts January 1, 2027 (some 2026 months can count)

  • Applies to some adults 19 to 64 who get Medicaid based only on income (the “expansion” group).

    Source
    Some adults, ages 19 to 64, who are enrolled in Medicaid based solely on income, also known as the Expansion Population, must meet a new work or community engagement requirement to apply for or keep coverage.

    kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement Exemption Fact Sheet, checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Starting January 1, 2027: at least 80 hours a month of work, school, job training or community service.

    Source
    Starting January 1, 2027, individuals must show that they work or do other community engagement activities for at least 80 hours in each required month. These activities can include going to school, being in a job training program, or doing community service.

    kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Or go to school at least half-time (high school, college, or career and technical education). This does not need 80 hours.

    Source
    Going to school at least half-time, including high school, college, or career and technical education.

    kynect — Medicaid changes, checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Or earn $580 a month (for seasonal work, an average of $580 over the last 6 months).

    Source
    Earning $580 a month, or if your work is seasonal, earning an average of $580 over the last 6 months.

    kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Applying from January 2027: show you met it in the month before you apply.

    Source
    If you are applying for Medicaid, you must show you met the work or community engagement requirement in the month before application.

    kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Already on Medicaid: starting with February 2027 renewals, show you met it in at least 3 of the 6 months before you renew.

    Source
    If you are a current Medicaid member, you must show you met the work or community engagement requirement for at least three of the six months before you renew your coverage.

    kynect — Medicaid changes, checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Those months can be in 2026. If you renew in February 2027, 3 of the months from August 2026 to February 2027 must count. Start keeping proof now.

    Source
    For example, if your renewal is due in February 2027, you must work or do community engagement activities for at least three of the months between August 2026 and February 2027.

    kynect — Medicaid changes, checked Oct 6, 2026

  • If a member doesn't meet it, they get a letter and 30 days to show it, and keep coverage during those 30 days.

    Source
    If you are a current Medicaid member and you do not meet the requirement, you will get a letter and have 30 days to show that you participated in work or community engagement

    kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

  • Kentucky law sets the start no later than January 1, 2027.

    Source
    The cabinet shall, no later than January 1, 2027, for applicable individuals as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx)(9), condition eligibility for enrollment or continued enrollment in the Medicaid program on demonstrated community

    KRS 205.5371, Demonstrated community engagement, checked Oct 6, 2026

Who doesn’t have to (Medicaid)

You may be exempt if you are:

  • Pregnant, or within 12 months after giving birth
  • Medically frail, or a serious or complex medical condition — including a disability, mental health condition or substance use disorder
  • In a treatment program for mental health or substance use
  • A parent, guardian or caregiver actively caring for a child 13 or younger, or for a person with a disability
  • Getting SSI, SSDI, or Social Security because of disability
  • On Medicare (Part A, or enrolled in Part B)
  • Veteran with a total disability rating
  • Former foster youth up to age 26
  • Member of a federally recognized tribe
  • Meeting TANF work rules, or living in a household meeting SNAP work rules
  • In jail or prison now, or released in the last 3 months
  • In a 1915(c) home and community waiver or PACE

There are other exemptions too. kynect decides who is exempt.

Source
Medically frail or have a serious or complex medical condition, including a disability, mental health condition, or substance use disorder, that impacts your ability to complete community engagement requirements.

kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement Exemption Fact Sheet, checked Oct 6, 2026

Start saving now

  • Pay stubs, or a letter from your employer
  • School schedules or attendance records
  • A signed letter from a job training program or volunteer group with your hours
  • Medical records or a provider's letter if a health condition may exempt you
Source
“Pay stubs or a letter from your employer” · “School schedule or attendance record” · “Signed letter from a job training program or community service organization”

kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

Not published yet

  • How Kentucky will check Medicaid exemptions (what proof each one needs) is not fully published yet. Ask kynect.

Send this to someone

319 characters

kynect: 1-855-459-6328, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Eastern.

Source
Calling kynect at 1-855-459-6328 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

kynect — Medicaid Work or Community Engagement FAQ (last updated September 15, 2026), checked Oct 6, 2026

NOLO explains these rules; it does not decide who must meet them. Only DCBS and kynect decide.

Medicaid plans and benefits