Important Changes Are Coming to SNAP Benefits – Here’s What You Need to Know

Many states are warning people who get SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that the rules about who can get help buying food are about to change in November, thanks to a new law called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
 

What Is SNAP?

SNAP, once known as “food stamps,” helps over 42 million Americans buy groceries if they have low incomes.
 

What’s Changing in November?

The new law makes big changes that might cause some people to lose their SNAP benefits.

The goal is to save the federal government money, but this means stricter rules for many people who receive assistance.

1. Work Requirements Are Getting Tougher
 

• Adults aged 18-65 who do not have children (called ABAWDs: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) must now show they are working at least 80 hours a month, taking part in an education program, or in training.
• If they don’t meet these requirements, they will only be able to get SNAP for three months.
• Previously, these rules only applied to adults up to age 54, but now anyone up to age 65 must meet them.
• Parents with kids used to be exempt if their children were under 18, but now only parents with children under 14 are exempt.
• Before, veterans, homeless people, and young adults leaving foster care were also exempt. Now, all of these groups must meet the work requirements as well.
• There is one new exception: Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and other Indigenous tribal members are exempt from the work requirements.

2. Some Areas May Get Waivers
 

• If an area has a very high unemployment rate (over 10%), the rules about work can be loosened. Alaska and Hawaii have slightly different rules.

3. Rules for Immigrants Are Changing
 

• Some people who are legally living in the U.S.—such as refugees, those granted asylum, or survivors of human trafficking—might lose their SNAP benefits because of the new law.
• The government is still figuring out exactly how these new rules will be carried out.

4. Other Changes That Could Reduce Aid
 

• The new law also changes how cost-of-living increases are calculated, which could mean smaller benefits for some families.
• How households’ need for help is calculated (including things like utility costs) is changing.
• Funding for programs that teach about nutrition and help fight obesity is being eliminated.

5. States Will Have to Help Pay for SNAP
 

• Before, the federal government paid half of the costs to run SNAP; now, states will pay 75% starting in 2027.
• Some states will even start paying a part of the food benefits themselves in 2028.
• If a state makes mistakes in more than 6% of its payments to people who get SNAP, it will have to pay even more.
• Because of these new costs, experts expect some states may cut back or end SNAP benefits for certain people.

What Happens Now?

All these changes will take effect starting November 1, 2025. If you currently receive SNAP, or think you might qualify in the future, check with your local SNAP office to find out how these rules might affect you.

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