Food Stamps for Adults without Children

The Food Stamp Program has special rules for adults without children. If you are an adult without children, there is a 3-month rule that may apply to you. The 3-month rule says you can get food stamps for 3 months every 3 years. After that, you may have to work in order to keep getting food stamps.

Can I get food stamps for more than 3 months if I am working?
Yes. If you are working at least 20 hours per week, you can get food stamps after the 3-month limit.

Can I get food stamps for more than 3 months if I am not working?
If you are unemployed, you can get food stamps after the 3 month limit if you:

• live in Essex or Orleans county
• are homeless (this includes temporarily living with someone or living in a shelter);
• are physically or mentally unable to work;
• take care of a disabled person or a child;
• are pregnant;
• get Unemployment Compensation or have applied for it;
• have no access to any transportation and cannot find a job within 1 ½ miles of your home;
• are in a drug or alcohol treatment program;
• are in school or a training program at least half time;
• meet 2 of the following 3:
  1. have an 8th grade education or less, or are unable to read or write, or are unable to speak English;
  2. have been employed less than 6 months in the past 5 years, and have been a full-time student less than 6 months in the past 5 years;
  3. have been released from a mental health institution or mental health hospital unit within the past 6 months.
• are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and have a contract to begin work within 30 days;
• are over 50 or under 18.