November 2026 SNAP Changes by State: New Work Requirements and EBT Food Restrictions

Updated November 3, 2026

November 2026 brings important SNAP changes across the United States. Some adults face stricter work requirements. Several states have also changed which foods people can buy with EBT cards.

Starting November 1, four states began new SNAP food-purchase restrictions: Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Other changes affect SNAP work-rule exemptions and county-level waivers. Michigan reinstated work requirements in eight counties and Bay City. California also changed its list of counties exempt from the ABAWD time limit.

These changes do not apply equally to every SNAP household. Some affect work eligibility. Others affect grocery purchases only.

This guide explains the November 2026 changes, state by state. It also covers exemptions, effective dates, restricted foods, and what recipients should do next.

1. November 2026 SNAP changes at a glance

Here are the main developments as of November 3, 2026.

Change	State or coverage	Effective date
New ABAWD work requirements	Michigan: 8 counties and Bay City	November 1
New ABAWD time-limit waivers	California: 7 counties	November 1
New EBT food restrictions	Montana	November 1
New EBT food restrictions	North Dakota	November 1
New EBT food restrictions	South Carolina	November 1
New EBT beverage restrictions	Virginia	November 1
Updated ABAWD policy handbook	Texas	November 1

Important federal background: All 50 states had implemented the expanded federal ABAWD work requirements by June 1, 2026, according to Ballotpedia’s state implementation research. November’s work-related changes are mainly local waiver changes and state implementation updates, rather than a new nationwide work rule beginning November 1. Ballotpedia+3

2. New SNAP work requirements for November 2026

The biggest federal change concerns Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, commonly called ABAWDs.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 changed several SNAP work requirement provisions.

The updated rules generally cover adults who:

• Are between 18 and 64 years old.
• Can work.
• Do not have responsibility for a dependent child under 14 in their household.
• Do not qualify for another exemption.

People who meet these conditions generally must complete at least 80 hours of qualifying activities per month to keep receiving SNAP beyond the time limit.

This equals approximately 20 hours per week.

What activities count toward the 80-hour requirement?

Qualifying activities can include:

Activity	Can it count?
Paid employment	Yes
Self-employment	Yes
Unpaid work	Yes, if qualifying
Volunteer work	Yes
SNAP Employment and Training	Yes
Approved workforce training	Yes
Community service	Yes, where approved
Workfare	Yes

People can also combine qualifying work and approved program hours.

States administer the activities and verification process. Participants should follow the instructions provided by their state SNAP agency. Texas Health and Human Services+2

What happens if someone does not meet the requirement?

People subject to the ABAWD time limit generally can receive only three full months of SNAP benefits during a 36-month period without meeting the work requirement or qualifying for an exemption.

After using those countable months, the person can lose eligibility under the ABAWD time limit.

They may regain eligibility by meeting the required work conditions for 30 days or becoming exempt. State agencies explain how to restore eligibility in individual cases. Texas Health and Human Services+2

Who is exempt from the new ABAWD work requirements?

The federal law provides several exemptions.

A person may be exempt if they:

1. Are younger than 18 or older than 65.
2. Have a medically certified physical or mental condition that prevents employment.
3. Are responsible for a dependent child under 14.
4. Are pregnant.
5. Qualify for an exemption from the general SNAP work requirements.
6. Qualify under the specific federal protections for Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian individuals.

The general work-rule exemptions can also cover certain caregivers, people in qualifying treatment programs, and people receiving unemployment benefits, depending on the circumstances.

Important changes to older exemptions

The 2025 federal law removed several previous standalone ABAWD exemptions.

These included exemptions based solely on:

• Being a veteran.
• Experiencing homelessness.
• Being a former foster youth under age 25.
• Being between 55 and 64.
• Caring for a dependent child aged 14–17.

Some people in these groups may still qualify under another exemption. Their status alone no longer provides the previous automatic protection.

General SNAP work rules versus ABAWD rules

These two requirements are different.

General SNAP work rules	ABAWD time limit rules
Generally cover ages 16–59	Cover ages 18–64
Require work registration for nonexempt people	Require 80 hours monthly or approved activities
Include accepting suitable work when offered	Include the three-month limit
Restrict voluntary quitting or reducing work hours without good cause	Apply to adults without responsibility for a dependent child under 14
Do not impose the ABAWD three-month limit	Can limit benefits to 3 months in 36 months

A person can be exempt from general work registration but still subject to ABAWD rules.

For example, an otherwise eligible 62-year-old may be exempt from general work registration because of age. However, that person may still need to meet the ABAWD requirement. Texas Health and Human Services+2

3. Michigan SNAP changes: Work requirements return to eight counties

Effective November 1, 2026

Double Up Food Bucks Expands to Grocery Stores – Fair Food Network

fairfoodnetwork.org

Michigan reinstated federal SNAP time-limited work requirements in eight counties and Bay City.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the update on October 30, 2026.

The change follows updated federal waiver requirements and changes in local economic conditions.

Counties affected by the November 1 change

The requirements now apply in these locations:

County or city	Status
Alger County	Requirements reinstated
Arenac County	Requirements reinstated
Iosco County	Requirements reinstated
Iron County	Requirements reinstated
Luce County	Requirements reinstated
Montmorency County	Requirements reinstated
Oceana County	Requirements reinstated
Roscommon County	Requirements reinstated
Bay City	Requirements reinstated

These areas previously received relief from the ABAWD time limit. That relief ended November 1. michigan.gov

Which Michigan areas remain exempt?

Federal time-limit waivers continue in:

Counties:

• Alcona
• Cheboygan
• Mackinac
• Ogemaw
• Oscoda
• Presque Isle
• Schoolcraft

Cities:

• Detroit
• Eastpointe
• Flint
• Jackson
• Saginaw

The expanded requirements apply in other Michigan areas, subject to individual exemptions. michigan.gov

How can Michigan SNAP recipients meet the requirement?

Affected participants can qualify through:

• Working at least 80 hours monthly.
• Completing at least 80 hours in an approved Michigan Works! employment and training program, where available.
• Participating in qualifying community service.

For certain volunteering and workfare activities, Michigan calculates required hours using the household’s monthly SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

Who may qualify for an exemption?

Michigan identifies several situations, including:

• Physical or mental inability to work.
• Pregnancy.
• Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits.
• Certain disability benefits.
• Qualifying treatment programs.
• Approved education or training.
• Caring for an incapacitated person.
• Living with a child under 14.
• Qualifying American Indian status.

People should contact MDHHS or check their MI Bridges accounts to confirm their circumstances.

Official resources: Michigan SNAP Work Requirements · Michigan November 1 announcement

4. California CalFresh changes: Seven counties receive new waivers

Effective November 1, 2026

One Yolo County group is making access to fresh food easier – CBS Sacramento

cbsnews.com

California has changed its ABAWD time-limit waiver coverage.

The new waiver covers seven counties from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.

Residents in these counties do not have to meet the ABAWD work and community engagement requirement during this waiver period.

California counties covered by the new waiver

County	November 2026 status
Colusa	Waived
Imperial	Waived
Kings	Waived
Merced	Waived
Monterey	Waived
Plumas	Waived
Tulare	Waived

What happened to Alpine County?

Alpine County’s previous waiver ended October 31, 2026.

Starting November 1, Alpine County transitioned to the ABAWD time-limit requirements.

This is an important change for affected residents.

People who previously received the waiver may now need to complete qualifying activities to keep receiving benefits beyond the three-month limit.

The other six continuing counties and Kings County remain covered through October 31, 2027. cdss.ca.gov+1

Official resource: California CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirements

5. Texas SNAP work requirement handbook update

Effective November 1, 2026

Texas updated its Texas Works Handbook under revision 26-5.

The changes cover ABAWD work requirements, exceptions, verification, and documentation.

The handbook confirms that the ABAWD requirement:

• Begins the month after a person turns 18.
• Ends the month the person turns 65.
• Generally requires 20 hours of qualifying activities per week.
• Uses an 80-hour monthly requirement.
• Applies the federal three-month time limit.

Texas also explains that countable months can include months when a person received SNAP benefits in another state.

Texas ABAWD exemptions

The handbook identifies exemptions for:

• Pregnancy.
• Living in a SNAP household with someone under 14.
• Being exempt from applicable work registration requirements.
• Living in a qualifying waiver area.
• Living in a SNAP county without an E&T program.
• Physical or mental inability to work.
• Qualifying Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or Alaska Native status.

The November handbook revision incorporates earlier federal policy changes. It should not be described as a completely new statewide work requirement beginning November 1. Forms and Handbooks+1

Official resource: Texas SNAP Work Rules

6. Four states introduce new EBT food restrictions on November 1

Major November development

Louisiana Bans Soda, Candy, Energy Drinks for SNAP Users

North Dakota taking steps to ban candy, soda purchases with SNAP benefits – KVRR Local News

FOOD LION – 9003 Two Notch Rd, Columbia SC – Hours, Directions, Reviews – Loc8NearMe

6

Four states now have new restrictions on specific products purchased with SNAP benefits.

These changes are part of USDA-approved SNAP food restriction demonstration waivers.

They are state-specific. They do not create a nationwide ban on these products.

A. Montana SNAP food restrictions

Started November 1, 2026

Montana launched its Healthy SNAP demonstration project.

The state restricts four major product categories.

1. Candy

Restricted candy includes:

• Gummies.
• Licorice.
• Hard candies.
• Candy bars.
• Compressed sugar pieces.
• Other shelf-stable candy preparations.

2. High-sugar beverages

The restriction covers nonalcoholic carbonated or flat drinks containing more than 10 grams of added sugar per eight fluid ounces.

3. Energy drinks

Restricted drinks include high-caffeine products containing:

• More than 6 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce; or
• More than 140 milligrams per container;

when combined with added stimulants such as taurine, guarana, or herbal extracts.

4. Shelf-stable prepared desserts

These are packaged, ready-to-eat sweet products intended for immediate consumption and containing minimal whole-food ingredients. dphhs.mt.gov+1

What can Montana residents still buy?

Many ordinary grocery items remain eligible:

• Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits.
• Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables.
• Meat and poultry.
• Milk and dairy.
• Grains and pantry staples.
• Baking ingredients.
• Certain fruit and nut snacks.
• Protein and meal-replacement bars.
• Eligible juices and beverages.

Plain water, certain zero-sugar drinks, coffee, tea, and other exempt products also remain eligible.

The waiver does not reduce monthly SNAP allotments or change general financial eligibility. dphhs.mt.gov

Official resource: Montana Healthy SNAP announcement

B. North Dakota SNAP food restrictions

Started November 1, 2026

North Dakota taking steps to ban candy, soda purchases with SNAP benefits – KVRR Local News

kvrr.com

North Dakota implemented its Healthy Choice Waiver on November 1.

The state had previously planned a September 1 start. The date was postponed to November 1 in coordination with federal authorities. Health and Human Services North Dakota+1

Three categories are affected.

1. Sweetened beverages

SNAP benefits cannot be used for covered drinks containing:

• Five grams or more of added sugar.
• Any amount of artificial sweetener.
• Less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, under the state’s restriction definitions.

The category also covers certain drink mixes and beverage ingredients.

Examples include:

• Regular soda.
• Sweetened tea.
• Sweetened lemonade.
• Certain sports and electrolyte drinks.
• Certain bottled coffee beverages.
• Certain juice drinks.

2. Energy drinks

Restricted products include energy drinks, shots, and mixes containing:

• At least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces; and
• Added stimulants such as guarana, ginseng, taurine, or glucuronolactone.

3. Candy

Examples include:

• Chocolate bars.
• Gummies.
• Caramels.
• Taffy.
• Licorice.
• Candy-coated products.
• Store-brand products marketed as candy. Health and Human Services North Dakota+1

What remains SNAP eligible?

North Dakota identifies these examples:

• Milk and milk-based beverages.
• Soy, rice, and other milk substitutes.
• Beverages with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
• Unsweetened beverages.
• Tea without added sugar.
• Eligible protein bars.
• Granola bars.
• Cereal bars.
• Baking ingredients.
• Baby formula.

Plain seltzer without added sugar or artificial sweeteners is also permitted. Health and Human Services North Dakota+1

Official resource: North Dakota Healthy Choice Waiver

C. South Carolina SNAP food restrictions

Started November 1, 2026

Louisiana Bans Soda, Candy, Energy Drinks for SNAP Users

kpel965.com

South Carolina launched its Healthy Food SC project.

The USDA-approved demonstration project excludes four categories from SNAP purchases.

Restricted products include:

1. Candy.
2. Energy drinks.
3. Soft drinks.
4. Other sweetened beverages.

This includes many regular sugary sodas and sweetened drinks.

Important difference: Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks remain eligible under the South Carolina rules. This differs from Virginia. Food and Nutrition Administration+2

Who must follow the new rules?

All South Carolina SNAP households must follow the restrictions.

All SNAP-authorized retailers in the state must participate.

Households cannot opt out of the food restrictions.

The project is designed as a two-year demonstration initiative. USDA will evaluate its results. Food and Nutrition Administration+1

Official resources:

• USDA South Carolina waiver approval
• South Carolina Healthy Food SC program

D. Virginia SNAP beverage restrictions

Started November 1, 2026

Walmart Supercenter in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg City – Supermarket | Joonsquare USA

joonsquareusa.com

Virginia introduced a statewide change under its SNAP Healthy Beverage Update.

Unlike Montana and North Dakota, Virginia’s restriction focuses on carbonated sweetened beverages.

Drinks that can no longer be purchased with SNAP include:

• Regular soda.
• Diet soda.
• Zero-sugar soda.
• Artificially sweetened soda.
• Carbonated energy drinks.
• Carbonated drinks containing five grams or more of added sugar per serving.

The restriction applies to SNAP purchases throughout Virginia. Virginia Department of Social Services+1

Which drinks remain eligible?

Virginia residents can still buy most other eligible beverages.

Examples include:

Beverage	SNAP eligible?
Regular soda	No
Diet soda	No
Zero-sugar soda	No
Carbonated energy drinks	No
Lemonade	Yes
Iced tea	Yes
Iced coffee	Yes
Regular juice	Yes
Milk	Yes
Plant-based milk	Yes
Unsweetened seltzer	Yes
Non-carbonated energy drinks	Yes
Sports drinks	Yes
Infant formula	Yes
Yogurt drinks	Yes

These examples follow the Virginia Department of Social Services guidance. Virginia Department of Social Services+1

Does Virginia’s new rule reduce SNAP benefits?

No.

The change does not alter:

• SNAP eligibility.
• Monthly benefit amounts.
• Deposit schedules.
• The list of eligible foods outside the affected beverage category.

People can still buy restricted beverages using cash, debit, or credit cards. Virginia Department of Social Services+1

Does the restriction affect people using out-of-state EBT cards?

Yes.

Virginia’s rules apply to covered SNAP purchases at Virginia retailers, even when the EBT card was issued by another state.

The same restrictions also apply to eligible online purchases from Virginia retailers. Virginia Department of Social Services+1

Official resource: Virginia SNAP Healthy Frequently Asked Questions

7. SNAP food restrictions: All states and effective dates

The four November changes are part of a larger national trend.

USDA’s official waiver tracker lists 23 states with approved food restriction projects, although some projects are blocked or have future implementation dates.

Here is the status as of November 3, 2026. Food and Nutrition Administration+7

States with active SNAP food restrictions

State	Start date	Main restricted items
Indiana	Jan. 1, 2026	Soft drinks and candy
Utah	Jan. 1, 2026	Soft drinks
Idaho	Feb. 15, 2026	Soda and candy
Oklahoma	Feb. 15, 2026	Soft drinks and candy
Louisiana	Feb. 18, 2026	Soft drinks, energy drinks and candy
Texas	April 1, 2026	Sweetened drinks and candy
Florida	April 20, 2026	Soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts
Arkansas	July 1, 2026	Soda, certain low-juice drinks, energy drinks and candy
Montana	Nov. 1, 2026	High-sugar drinks, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts
North Dakota	Nov. 1, 2026	Sweetened drinks, energy drinks and candy
South Carolina	Nov. 1, 2026	Candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages
Virginia	Nov. 1, 2026	Certain carbonated sweetened beverages

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver tracker. Food and Nutrition Administration+6

States with upcoming food restrictions

These states have approved restrictions but have later implementation dates.

State	Scheduled date	Planned restrictions
Nebraska	Dec. 1, 2026	Soda, soft drinks and energy drinks
Wyoming	Feb. 1, 2027	Sweetened carbonated beverages
Kansas	Feb. 15, 2027	Candy and soft drinks
Missouri	Feb. 15, 2027	Candy, prepared desserts and certain beverages
Ohio	April 1, 2027	Sugar-sweetened beverages and all fountain drinks
Hawaii	April 1, 2027	Soft drinks
Nevada	Feb. 1, 2028	Candy and sugar-sweetened beverages

Nebraska has a second implementation date: Candy is scheduled to become restricted on March 1, 2027. Food and Nutrition Administration+3

States where previously approved restrictions cannot proceed

Four states had their approved food restriction waivers vacated by a federal court on June 22, 2026.

State	Status
Colorado	Implementation blocked
Iowa	Implementation blocked
Tennessee	Implementation blocked
West Virginia	Implementation blocked

The USDA tracker specifically identifies the court order in Aragon et al. v. Rollins et al. These states should not be included in a list of active SNAP food restrictions based on the former approvals. Food and Nutrition Administration+3

8. What November SNAP changes mean for recipients

There are several practical things SNAP households should understand.

Will SNAP benefits decrease in November?

The food-purchase restrictions do not automatically reduce a household’s monthly SNAP allotment.

They change which items can be purchased with SNAP funds.

However, an individual subject to the ABAWD time limit may lose continued eligibility if they do not meet applicable requirements and have used their available countable months. Virginia Department of Social Services+2

Can SNAP recipients still purchase restricted products?

Yes, but they must use another payment method.

For example, a Virginia SNAP recipient can pay for groceries with EBT and purchase an ineligible soda using a separate debit or credit card.

Retailers are responsible for updating their checkout systems. Virginia Department of Social Services+1

Will all states have the same EBT food restrictions?

No.

Each approved waiver has its own product definitions.

For example:

• Montana restricts certain packaged desserts.
• North Dakota restricts certain drink mixes and candy.
• South Carolina allows diet and zero-sugar soft drinks.
• Virginia restricts diet and zero-sugar soda.

SNAP recipients should check the rules in the state where they shop.

Do these changes affect EBT deposit dates?

The food restriction waivers do not change regular deposit schedules.

Work-rule changes also do not automatically move scheduled deposit dates.

However, a household member who loses SNAP eligibility under the ABAWD time limit could affect the household’s ongoing benefits, depending on the case.

9. What SNAP recipients should do in November 2026

Here are five practical steps.

1. Check your state SNAP account. Look for notices about work requirements, recertification, and exemptions.
2. Review your work hours. If ABAWD rules apply, track qualifying activity each month.
3. Report qualifying exemptions. Tell your caseworker about disability, pregnancy, caregiving, or other applicable circumstances.
4. Check restricted products. Review your state’s new EBT purchase rules before shopping.
5. Keep your documents. Save work records, training attendance, medical documentation, and official SNAP notices.

Do not assume that an exemption applies automatically. Ask your state SNAP agency to check your individual case.

10. Frequently asked questions

11. Official sources and references

For publication and future updates, use these primary government resources.

Organization	Official resource
USDA Food and Nutrition Administration	SNAP Food Restriction Waivers
USDA	One Big Beautiful Bill Act implementation
Michigan MDHHS	November work requirements announcement
California CDSS	CalFresh work requirements
Texas Health and Human Services	SNAP work rules
Montana DPHHS	Healthy SNAP announcement
North Dakota HHS	Healthy Choice Waiver
South Carolina DSS	Healthy Food SC
Virginia DSS	SNAP Healthy FAQ