By PSA Newsroom Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — New federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have taken effect in South Carolina as of Feb. 1, 2026, altering eligibility rules for hundreds of thousands of benefit recipients. The changes, part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, 2025, expand age limits and narrow exemptions for work participation.
Under the updated rules, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18 to 64 must work, volunteer, or participate in approved employment or training programs for at least 80 hours per month, roughly 20 hours per week, to remain eligible for SNAP beyond three months within a 36-month period.
Previously, the upper age threshold was 54, and more individuals were exempt from the requirement.
The exemption for caregivers has been narrowed: adults in households with children under age 14 remain exempt from the time limit, but those caring for children ages 14–17 must now meet the work requirement unless they qualify for another exemption.
Exemptions that have been removed include:
• Veterans;
• Individuals experiencing homelessness; and
• Young adults aged 24 or younger who aged out of foster care.
South Carolina officials say about 3% of current SNAP recipients are classified as ABAWDs and subject to the work requirement. With the expanded age range and reduced exemptions, that share is expected to rise, but the exact impact will depend on forthcoming federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Waivers Tightened
The criteria for geographic waivers, which allow states to suspend work requirements in areas with few jobs have also changed. Waivers now apply only in areas with an unemployment rate above 10%, tightening previous standards.
Where to Find More Information
State and federal guidance for SNAP work requirements is available from these official sources:
• South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) — full announcement on federal SNAP work requirements: https://dss.sc.gov/news/new-federal-snap-work-requirements-take-effect-in-south-carolina/
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service — eligibility criteria and program guidance: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
• Federal statute and waiver criteria (National Conference of State Legislatures summary): https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislatures-news/details/5-changes-the-beautiful-bill-is-bringing-to-snap
County-Level Notes for Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Orangeburg, Calhoun & Williamsburg
The federal SNAP changes apply statewide in South Carolina and do not vary by county. However, local offices of the South Carolina Department of Social Services administer SNAP at the county level, answer questions, and process applications and work-requirement documentation.
Residents in the following counties can contact their local DSS office for specific guidance on how the work rules affect case status, deadlines, exemptions, and documentation requirements:
• Clarendon County DSS — Clarendon County Social Services
• Sumter County DSS — Sumter County Social Services
• Lee County DSS — Lee County Social Services
• Orangeburg County DSS — Orangeburg County Social Services
• Calhoun County DSS — Calhoun County Social Services
• Williamsburg County DSS — Williamsburg County Social Services
(Contact information for local offices is typically found at https://dss.sc.gov or by phone at the main DSS line listed on that site. Official hours, appointment procedures, and SNAP work documentation requirements vary by office.)
