West Virginia Updates SNAP Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (November 1, 2025) – The West Virginia Department ofโข Human Servicesโ (DoHS) has implemented changes to its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) policy, effectiveโข November 1st. these adjustmentsโ are mandated by federal legislation, H.R.1, and are designed to maintain the state’s compliance wiht national SNAP guidelines.
The revised policy impacts individuals aged 18 through 64, classifying them as ABAWD starting the month โafter โtheir 18th โbirthday and continuing until the month they turn 65.
Significant changes include the removal โof previous exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth under the age of 25. Individuals in these categories โฃwill now be required to meet ABAWDโค work requirements to โคcontinue receiving SNAP benefits, unless theyโฃ qualify for another exemption.
The definition of โคa dependent has also been updated. Only dependents under the age of 14 will now qualify โขasโฃ an adult for exemption from ABAWD โคrequirements. โ SNAP recipients caring for children aged โค14 through 17 will be subject to work requirements unless another exemption applies.
A new exemption has been added for SNAP recipients who identify as Indians, Urban Indians, or California Indians, โas defined by theโข Indian Health Care Enhancement Act.
The DoHS estimates these changes will affect approximately โ36,000 SNAP recipients acrossโ the state.
Individuals with questions regarding the updated ABAWD policy are encouraged to contact the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212.