SNAP Benefits Restored for Thousands of Nevadans Amid Legal Battle Over Work Requirements

LAS VEGAS, NV – March 4, 2026 – Approximately 43,000 Nevada residents will continue to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through April 30, following a court order that temporarily halts the enforcement of federal work requirements. The restoration of benefits impacts individuals who lost eligibility on March 1 due to not meeting new work activity guidelines.

Federal Work Requirement Waiver Reinstated

The move comes after a federal court reinstated a waiver for work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) as part of ongoing litigation involving 15 other states [FOX5 Vegas]. ABAWDs are defined as individuals aged 18 to 64 who are physically and mentally able to work and do not have a child under 14 in their household.

Who is Affected?

Under federal regulations, ABAWD participants are generally required to complete 20 hours per week of qualifying work activities – such as employment, job searching, volunteering, or participation in job readiness programs – to maintain SNAP eligibility. Failure to meet these requirements typically limits benefits to three months within a 36-month period [FOX5 Vegas].

$7.3 Million in Benefits Reissued

The Nevada Division of Social Services (DSS) has already begun reissuing benefits. Approximately $7.3 million in SNAP benefits were distributed to over 25,000 individuals who initially lost eligibility on March 1 [KTNV]. The remaining benefits will be issued on a staggered basis through March 10.

What Recipients Need to Do

Individuals considered ABAWDs will remain eligible for benefits until April 30. Recipients who received renewal packets by mail are urged to complete and return them to the DSS for evaluation [FOX5 Vegas]. SNAP customers are required to meet with case managers to discuss time limits and work requirements during both new application interviews and renewal processes.

State Response

“This guidance will allow thousands of Nevadans to continue receiving essential food assistance through April,” said Kelly Cantrelle, Deputy Administrator of the Nevada DSS. “Our team, with the ongoing support of Governor Lombardo, worked around the clock to get these benefits into the hands of people who need them.” [KTNV]

SNAP in Nevada

Currently, 433,000 Nevadans receive SNAP benefits, a federally funded program designed to help eligible families purchase food [Las Vegas Review-Journal].