Significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to take effect, marking one of the most far-reaching overhauls of the program in decades. Enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the reforms aim to reshape how food assistance is distributed across the United States, introducing cuts to federal funding, stricter eligibility rules, and expanded work requirements for millions of recipients. Together, these changes signal a major shift in federal policy toward public assistance programs.
At the center of the new rules is a broader work requirement. Under the updated framework, most adults between the ages of 18 and 64 will be required to work at least 80 hours per month in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond a limited time period. Qualifying activities may include paid employment, job training programs, or approved volunteer work. Failure to meet these requirements could result in a reduction or loss of benefits after a set number of months.
While some exemptions remain in place, the list has been significantly narrowed. Individuals with disabilities and parents caring for young children will continue to be exempt from the work mandate. However, several groups that were previously protected will now be subject to the new requirements. These include military veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who have aged out of foster care — populations that advocacy groups say already face substantial barriers to stable employment. State governments may apply for temporary waivers in regions with high unemployment or limited job opportunities, but approval is not guaranteed.
Immigration eligibility has also been tightened under the new law. SNAP benefits will now be limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. In the past, some non-citizens with humanitarian protections or temporary legal status were eligible for assistance. Under the revised rules, those groups will no longer qualify, a change that could affect an estimated 90,000 individuals each month. Critics argue that this restriction could place additional strain on families with mixed immigration status and increase reliance on local food banks and charities.
Another key provision involves the Thrifty Food Plan, the formula used to calculate SNAP benefit amounts. As part of the cost-control measures included in the legislation, updates to the plan will be paused until 2027. This means benefit levels will not be adjusted to reflect rising food prices or changing dietary costs for several years, potentially reducing the program’s purchasing power over time, especially during periods of high inflation.
Supporters of the reforms say the changes are necessary to restore accountability and ensure the program encourages work and self-sufficiency. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that SNAP should serve as temporary support rather than long-term dependence, and that the updated requirements align the program more closely with workforce participation goals. They also point to reduced federal spending as a key benefit of the overhaul.
Opponents, however, warn that the new rules could significantly increase food insecurity across the country. Advocacy organizations and policy analysts argue that many SNAP recipients already work or face legitimate barriers to employment, such as unstable housing, health issues, or caregiving responsibilities that fall outside the new exemptions. They caution that cutting benefits or access could disproportionately affect low-income households, children, and vulnerable communities.
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, once the changes are fully implemented, approximately 2.4 million people per month could experience reduced benefits, interruptions, or loss of eligibility altogether. State agencies are expected to face additional administrative burdens as they adjust systems, enforce new requirements, and process waiver requests.
As the rollout begins, SNAP recipients are being urged to review the updated rules carefully and assess how the changes may affect their eligibility. Experts recommend staying informed through state SNAP offices, workforce agencies, and community organizations, as implementation timelines and waiver policies may vary by location. For millions of Americans who rely on food assistance, the coming months will bring uncertainty — and a new reality for one of the nation’s largest safety-net programs.