MILLIONS of Americans face losing access to food stamps as sweeping new rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program take effect.
The changes kicked in on September 1 following a budget bill passed earlier this year.
The changes expand eligibility rules, cut $186 billion from the program (stock)[/caption]
The overhaul was part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025,” a Republican-backed measure signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The new rules toughen work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, known as ABAWDs.
Anyone under the age of 55 without children must now show they are working, studying, training, or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week.
That equals 80 hours per month, and failure to meet the threshold triggers strict time limits.
Those who don’t comply can only receive SNAP for three months within three years.
The rules are being enforced by state and county social service offices tasked with verifying work hours, Futbolete reported.
But the mandate doesn’t stop there. Groups that were previously exempt are now being pulled in.
For the first time, veterans and people aged 55 to 64 will be subject to the same 20-hour-per-week requirement.
The legislation also lowers the dependent age threshold from 18 to just 7.
That means parents with kids over 7 could now be forced to meet the same rules as single adults.
Immigrants are also impacted, with new restrictions on eligibility for certain groups, including those with refugee status.
Not everyone will have to comply. The law carves out exemptions for specific populations.
People who earn more than $217.50 per week before taxes – equivalent to 30 hours at the federal minimum wage – are automatically excluded.
Pregnant women, individuals with certified disabilities, and caregivers for children under six or disabled family members are also exempt.
SNAP Changes
- Work rules expanded to more groups, including veterans and adults aged 55–64
- Parents with kids over 7 now subject to work requirements
- Must complete 20 hours a week (80 a month) through work, training, or volunteering
- Time limit: only 3 months of benefits allowed in a 3-year period if rules not met
- New restrictions on some immigrant groups, including refugees
- States now required to share costs of benefits and administration
- Cuts of $186 billion projected by 2034
Others spared include participants in alcohol or drug treatment programs, homeless individuals, part-time students under certain conditions, and young adults who were in foster care.
Veterans and former foster youth under 24 are also listed among those who may qualify for relief.
To help identify exemptions, the Department of Homeland Security has started sending voluntary surveys to current SNAP recipients.
But the changes are part of a much larger cost-cutting move.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects the new law will slash $186 billion from SNAP by 2034.
For the first time, states will also be required to shoulder part of the cost of benefits and administrative expenses.
As the shake-up takes effect, current SNAP benefit levels remain set through September 30, 2025.
Households in the continental US and DC are receiving $292 a month for one person, $536 for two, $768 for three, and $975 for four.
The allotments rise to $1,158 for five, $1,390 for six, $1,536 for seven, and $1,756 for eight.
Families with more than eight members get an extra $220 per person on top of the base rate.
These maximum amounts apply nationwide until the end of the current fiscal year.
