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Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES For Immediate Release: February 9, 2026 Important Update: SNAP Work Requirement Changes Effective March 1, 2026 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, Division of Family Assistance wishes to inform SNAP recipients of changes to the SNAP work requirements. Effective March 1, 2026, SNAP recipients who do not meet the following work requirements will no longer be eligible to receive benefits. On this date, ineligible household members will be removed from the SNAP case, or the case will be closed if compliance is not achieved. On July 4th, 2025, President Trump signed into law, House Resolution One (H.R. 1), also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBB). The OBBB makes changes to the SNAP work requirements and the ABAWD work requirement. This means that some SNAP recipients will have to meet certain work requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits. The changes apply to a group of SNAP recipients known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). ABAWDs are adults ages 18 through 64 who are able to work. The ABAWD work requirement applies to you if you: ▪ Are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old. ▪ Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old in the household. ▪ Are considered physically and mentally able to work at least 20 hours per week If the ABAWD work requirement applies to you, you will need to have a job, volunteer, or be enrolled in school or a job training program. If you’re working, you must work an average of 20 hours each week or earn $217.50 per week before taxes. If you are in school or a training program, you must have total class time of 20 hours each week or be enrolled at least half-time. If you do not meet this requirement, you will only be able to get SNAP benefits for three months over a three-year period. You may be excused from the ABAWD work requirement if you are: • Exempt from the general work requirements, except when the exemption is solely due to being 18-59 years • Younger than age 18, or age 65 or older • Living with someone under 14 in the SNAP household • Pregnant • Are “An Indian”, An Urban Indian” or “A California Indian”. • Experiencing a physical or mental barrier to employment that lasts for at least 30 days and is certified by a licensed physician or certified psychologist. What is going to happen? The Department of Human Services is committed to helping its SNAP participants understand these changes and how you can remain eligible for benefits. A notice will be mailed to affected households, providing more information on the changes to SNAP work requirements via the mailing addresses on file. P R E S S R E L E A S E P R E S S R E L E A S E Keep listening to the radio and other news outlets for updates on these changes. For St. Thomas/St. John clients, please call (340) 774-0930 with extensions 4386, 4387, 4388, or 4390. For St. Croix clients, please call (340) 772-7100 with extensions 7199, 7025, or 7105. We urge all of our SNAP clients to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications to DHS. Your cooperation is essential in safeguarding your benefits and personal information. For further updates and guidance, please visit the official Virgin Islands Department of Human Services website or follow our official social media channels. The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non- judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov. ## END## P R E S S R E L E A S E