How the 80 hours add up
Under the federal rule, a month counts if any one of these is true:
- 80 hours of work, community service, or a work program, alone or added together.
- Enrolled in school at least half time.
- School less than half time, with those hours added to the others to reach 80.
- Earnings of at least $580, which is 80 hours at the federal minimum wage.
So 30 hours at a job plus 50 hours at a food bank works. So does 4 credit hours of community college plus 30 hours of work, which is CMS's own example. Earnings don't mix with hours: $300 in pay plus 50 hours of volunteering doesn't meet it either way.
What to do with the result
- Keep proof of every hour. Volunteer hours usually aren't in any state database, so you may be asked for a signed letter from where you volunteered.
- Check what counts. Read what counts as community service.
- Check if the rule applies to you at all. Many people are exempt.
New to this? Start with how Medicaid work requirements work.