Significant updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to take effect, marking one of the most substantial reforms to the program in decades. Introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the changes include reductions in federal funding, tighter eligibility requirements, and expanded work obligations for recipients.
Under the new rules, adults aged 18 to 64 will generally need to work at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited time. Certain exemptions remain, such as for individuals with disabilities or parents caring for young children, but other previously available exceptions—like for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who have aged out of foster care—have been removed. States may request waivers in areas with high unemployment rates to ease the transition.
The law also tightens immigration eligibility, restricting SNAP benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Previously, some non-citizens with temporary or humanitarian protections qualified, but this change could affect roughly 90,000 people each month. Additionally, updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines benefit levels, will be paused until 2027 as part of cost-control measures.
Supporters of the reforms argue they increase program accountability and encourage self-sufficiency, while critics warn that the stricter rules may heighten food insecurity for millions of households. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office suggest that, once fully implemented, about 2.4 million people per month could experience changes in benefit access or eligibility. Recipients are encouraged to review the new requirements and understand how they may be affected in order to plan ahead.
