Snap Benefits: How to volunteer and verify your hours

SNAP recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet a 20-hour-per-week (or 80-hour-per-month) work or volunteer requirement to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. Unpaid volunteering, working for goods/services, or participating in an approved training program can fulfill this requirement. 

You are welcome to do your volunteer work through HandsOn Bay Area. We can track your hours and provide reporting, but please be mindful of the details below to plan accordingly.

How to register for an account 

Step 1: Go on handsonbayarea.org in your browser 

Step 2: Move your cursor to the “Start Volunteering” and click on the “Sign Up” option 

Step 3: Fill out the required information (You will need your name, phone number, email, and home address) 

Note: The form is space sensitive, make sure there is no filler space when you are filling out your information

Step 4: Select “Next”  and you are ready to go !

How to sign up for a volunteer opportunity 

Step 1: Log in to your account 

Step 2: Once logged in, select “Start Volunteering” at the top. If you don’t see the “Start Volunteering” option, type in handsonbayarea.org in your browser to go back to the homepage 

Step 3 [Optional]: Filter your opportunity by selecting the + icon 

Step 4 [Optional]: Start filtering your volunteer opportunities based on distance, availability, age, etc. 

Step 5: Sign up for an opportunity by clicking on one that you are interested and select a shift 

Step 7: Select “Sign up”

Step 8: Select “Accept” 

Note: If you have a minor coming with you please fill out their information within their textbox  

Step 9: You are set to go! You should receive a confirmation email in your inbox 

How do I get proof that I've volunteered?

For quick reference of all your volunteer hours, log in to your HandsOn Bay Area account, click on “My Account” and you will see your volunteer history listed. Please note that attendance is done manually, so allow Project Leaders at least 2 - 3  weeks to complete your verifications.

Depending on your need, you can also get proof of your service in the following ways:

• If you need your hours to be signed off on a log, our Project Leader can sign a volunteer hours form at the project site. Please note that this could take 2 - 3 weeks for approval. Due to limited staffing, it is not possible for HandsOn Bay Area to expedite your hour verification. 
• If you need your hours verified sooner, we recommend having your volunteer hour sheet signed directly by the nonprofit partner. Once it's signed, you can email us the verification so we can begin processing your hours.
  • Please use this log and email to carteam@handsonbayarea.org