FoodShare: Work Requirement

An adult showing an apprentice how to use a lathe.

If you are a FoodShare member age 18 to 54, and you do not have any children under 18 living in your home, you may have to meet a work requirement to get benefits.

How do I meet the work requirement?

There are three main ways to meet the work requirement.

  1. Show that you are meeting it by:
    • Working or volunteering at least 80 hours per month.
    • Participating in a work training program at least 80 hours per month. Work programs include FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET), Job Corps, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training programs through your local job center, Transitional Jobs, and Transform Milwaukee Jobs.
    • Working, volunteering, and taking part in a work program for a combined total of at least 80 hours each month.
  2. Have an exemption that means you don’t have to meet the work requirement, like you’re pregnant, physically or mentally unfit for work, experiencing homelessness, or a veteran.
  3. Have a good cause, or a reason, that you didn’t meet the work requirement. Maybe you were ill or you unexpectedly didn't have transportation.

What are exemptions to the work requirement?

Exemptions are reasons why you don’t have to meet the work requirement under federal law.

What are good cause reasons not to meet the work requirement?

Good cause means there is something you cannot control that temporarily stopped you from being able to meet the FoodShare work requirement.


What if I don't meet the work requirement?

If you do not meet the work requirement, you can only get three months of FoodShare benefits in a three-year period without meeting the work requirement if you don't have an exemption.

The current three-year period goes from January 2025 to December 2027. You won't get FoodShare starting in the fourth month.

How can I get FoodShare again?

Row of bagged lettuce in a grocery store

You can get FoodShare benefits again by meeting the work requirement for 30 days, showing you will meet the work requirement in 30 days, having an exemption, or having good cause.

You may need to reapply for FoodShare. Contact your agency if you have questions.

Learn more about restarting FoodShare


What is the FoodShare Employment and Training program?

Individual computer training between two adults.

FSET is a free program that can help you learn new job skills, get access to education and training, and find a job you are interested in.

Anyone in your household who gets FoodShare and is age 16 or over can take part in the FSET program, even if they do not have to meet the work requirement. If you or someone in your household have not yet been referred and would like take part in the program, contact your agency.


Additional questions about the FoodShare work requirement


Additional resources

  • DHS has A Guide to the FoodShare Work Requirement, P-03606 available to you.
  • While related, the FoodShare work requirement is different than FoodShare basic work rules.
    • FoodShare applicants and members who are ages 16 to 59 need to follow basic work rules. When you complete a FoodShare application or renew your benefits, you are agreeing to follow the basic work rules.
    • Not all FoodShare members who have to follow basic work rules need to meet the work requirement to get benefits.

For further assistance

If you have questions about FoodShare or the work requirement, contact your agency.

Last revised July 3, 2025