States are alerting SNAP recipients that there could be changes to food assistance eligibility as the compliance deadline for the “One Big Beautiful Bill” approaches in November.
This extensive bill, which was enacted over the summer, revamps the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) that supports more than 42 million individuals. It’s anticipated that some people may be barred from the program due to an estimated $186 billion reduction in federal spending over the next decade.
The provisions of the bill are slated to take effect in November. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing:
New Work Requirements and Fewer Exceptions
One significant alteration involves ABAWD—or able-bodied adults without dependents. Now, these individuals must demonstrate that they are engaged in work for at least 80 hours monthly, are pursuing education, or are participating in relevant training programs to remain eligible for SNAP. If unable to provide this proof, benefits are limited to three months.
Previously, this work requirement was applicable mainly to adults aged 18 to 54. However, under the new rules, all eligible adults under 65 must show proof of work to keep receiving benefits.
Additionally, while parents supporting dependents under 18 used to be exempt, this exemption now only applies to those supporting children under 14. Various groups, such as veterans, the homeless, and youth transitioning from foster care, also had exemptions in the past but will now need to meet work requirements to receive assistance for longer than three months.
However, a new exemption has been established for “American Indians, Alaska Natives, Indian tribes, and Indian tribe members,” as defined by law.
All of these adjustments were initiated as soon as they were made law on July 4, but the Food and Nutrition Service has given states 120 days to roll out these changes, with a final deadline set for November 1, 2025.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Work?
In areas where job opportunities are particularly scarce, the ABAWD work requirement may be waived. The bill specifies that regions with an unemployment rate above 10% can qualify for this exemption. However, rules differ somewhat in Alaska and Hawaii.
Immigrant SNAP Eligibility
The One Big Beautiful Act will also alter SNAP eligibility for noncitizens, which includes certain people who are legally present in the country.
According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, refugees, individuals granted asylum, and survivors of human trafficking are among those who will face changes and potentially lose benefits.
Details on how this specific provision will be executed remain sparse, but further guidance is expected to be provided soon.
More Changes Are Coming
Additional provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill are expected to reduce the food aid available to families, leading to criticism from various advocates. The new regulations will affect how annual cost-of-living adjustments are calculated and also alter how utility expenses are considered for household needs, which may subsequently decrease reliance on SNAP funding.
Another notable aspect of the bill is that states will take on a bigger portion of the costs associated with administering SNAP. Up until now, this cost was shared equally, but starting in fiscal 2027, states will be responsible for 75% of the expenses.
For the first time, some states will also contribute to the cost of food benefits beginning in fiscal year 2028.
Under the new rules, the federal government will provide full funding for SNAP benefits in states with error rates below 6%. Last year, only seven states met this standard. Nationally, nearly 11% of SNAP payments contained errors last year.
Beginning in 2028, states exceeding a 6% error rate must cover between 5% and 15% of the SNAP benefits costs. Generally, states with higher error rates will incur a larger financial burden, but those with the highest rates may be given leeway until 2030 before this cost-sharing is implemented.
There are concerns that some states may reduce or even eliminate SNAP benefits for their residents due to these financial shifts.
