North Carolina Medicaid and SNAP Work Requirements: Volunteer Hours

Medicaid

Starts January 1, 2027

Who it covers: Adults 19 to 64 who got Medicaid through expansion, unless exempt
Hours needed: 80 a month of work, volunteering, school, or a work program, in any mix
When it starts: January 1, 2027. Starts January 1, 2027. Renewals move from once a year to every 6 months.
How often they check: Every 6 months, at renewal
Months they look back: Renewal: 3 of the 6 months before recertification. Reapplying after losing coverage: 3 months in a row before you apply.
Hardship exceptions: No short-term hardship exception named yet; NC Medicaid is still deciding which serious medical conditions count.
Proof of volunteer hours: No form named. Volunteering must be with a structured nonprofit or public program; court-ordered community service counts. Keep volunteer logs or timesheets and upload them in ePASS or give them to your local DSS.
Notes: Adults 19-64 must do 80 hours a month of work, volunteering, job training or school, or earn $580 a month. Activities can be combined. Job search must be less than half of the 80 hours.
Official page: North Carolina Medicaid agency

Does volunteering count?: Yes
Time limit waiver: No waiver. The time limit applies everywhere in the state. No time limit waiver is in effect in this state as of Oct. 1, 2026, per USDA's quarterly waiver status list. Checked October 9, 2026.
How many hours: Ages 18-64: 80 hours a month (about 20 a week) of work, volunteering, or an approved work program, or a mix. Volunteering at any nonprofit, church, community group or government agency counts; court-ordered service counts. No NC county runs Workfare.
Volunteer form: We haven't confirmed this yet. Ask your caseworker.
Who signs it: The volunteer agency confirms the hours; DSS asks it for written or verbal confirmation of hours in the month.
When it's due: Report by the 10th of the next month if hours drop below 80. If asked to verify, you get at least 10 days.
Official page: North Carolina SNAP agency