This November, one of the most sweeping overhauls of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in decades will begin rolling out across the United States. Framed by lawmakers as a push for greater accountability and fiscal discipline, the reforms—passed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—have ignited widespread debate over their potential effects on millions of low-income Americans who rely on food assistance.
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the changes are projected to cut federal SNAP spending by approximately $187 billion over the next decade. By 2034, an estimated 2.4 million fewer people could be receiving monthly benefits as eligibility rules, work requirements, immigrant access, and state responsibilities are reshaped.
Expanded Work Requirements
One of the most significant changes involves stricter work rules. Previously, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 54 without dependents were required to work at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits beyond three months within a 36-month period.
Under the new law, this requirement now extends to individuals up to age 65, greatly expanding the number of people subject to work conditions.
While exemptions remain for individuals who are physically or mentally unable to work, several long-standing protections have been removed. Homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youth under age 25 will no longer qualify for automatic exemptions.
Rules for parents have also tightened. Only parents with children 13 years old or younger will be exempt from work requirements. Parents of older teens will now be required to meet work thresholds to maintain eligibility.
States may still request waivers in areas with unemployment rates of 10% or higher. Alaska and Hawaii receive automatic consideration if unemployment reaches 150% of the national average.
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