MILLIONS of families are bracing for a painful hit to their grocery budgets as sweeping new food stamp rules take effect.
People are already reporting benefit cuts, sparking anger and fear that the shake-up will get worse in the months ahead.
Millions of Americans are seeing SNAP cuts after new rules from the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” took effect September 1 (stock)[/caption]
People are already reporting benefit cuts (stock)[/caption]
The changes kicked in on September 1 across the US following the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025.”
“I am at an incredible loss for words right now,” one resident wrote on Facebook.
“Many of my residents and people all across the country are receiving letters that their SNAP benefits were cut.”
“They are older adults, some with disabilities and many on a very limited income. A loss of $75 a month is a real impact.”
The comment section quickly filled with outrage and fear.
“This is heartbreaking. I am shocked cuts are being made so soon, thought they wouldn’t take effect until after midterms,” one user posted.
“So hard already for those struggling, and I fear this is only the beginning.”
“I have personally come to the conclusion that this life will never be the same. The poor will become so poor. I use the food pantries but they are even struggling to get food. No much protein anymore – peanut butter is pretty much what we get for protein,” added another.
The Republican-backed budget law, signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, reshapes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
New work requirements are at the heart of the overhaul.
Able-bodied adults without dependents, called ABAWDs, now must show they’re working, training, studying, or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week.
That equals 80 hours a month – and anyone who falls short faces strict time limits.
Those unable to meet the threshold will only be allowed three months of food stamps over three years.
The law also extends these mandates to once-exempt groups.
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
For the first time, veterans and people aged 55 to 64 must follow the same rules.
The dependent age threshold is also dropping from 18 to just 7, meaning parents with kids older than 7 could be forced to meet work requirements.
Some immigrants are caught up too, with tighter restrictions hitting certain groups, including refugees.
State and county offices are now responsible for verifying work hours as the policy is enforced nationwide.
While exemptions exist, advocates warn many struggling households will still lose access.
Those earning more than $217.50 a week before taxes, equal to 30 hours at minimum wage, are excluded automatically.
Pregnant women, people with certified disabilities, caregivers of children under six, and families caring for disabled relatives are also spared.
Others shielded include those in drug or alcohol treatment programs, homeless individuals, and some part-time students.
Former foster youth under 24 and veterans may qualify for relief, though they must still prove eligibility.
The Department of Homeland Security has started sending voluntary surveys to recipients to help identify who qualifies for exemptions.
But watchdogs say the bigger picture is about slashing costs.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the law will cut $186 billion from SNAP by 2034.
For the first time, states will also be forced to pay part of the tab for benefits and administrative work.
Current benefit levels remain locked until September 30, 2025.
A single person in the continental US and DC receives up to $292 a month, while two people get $536, three get $768, and four get $975.
Larger households are allotted $1,158 for five, $1,390 for six, $1,536 for seven, and $1,756 for eight.
Every additional person adds $220 on top of the base.
Still, the amounts offer little comfort to people already seeing cuts.
