The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is seeing major updates under the Trump administration — and they will take effect very soon. This summer, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced new work requirements and redefined who qualifies for benefits.
In short, the law reshapes who must meet work rules. It expands them for some adults, ends temporary exceptions and adds new protections for Native American communities and older participants.
SNAP is one of the country’s largest anti-hunger programs. In fiscal year 2024, about 41.7 million Americans, roughly 12% of the population, received monthly benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
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USDA sets deadline for states to implement changes
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service released new guidance to help states roll out the latest SNAP changes by a Nov. 1 deadline.
One of the biggest updates affects able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, people between certain ages who don’t have children and must work to keep receiving benefits.
Before the new law, that group included adults ages 18 to 54. Now, the age limit stretches to 64. Essentially, more adults are required to meet the work or training rules. Those 60 and older are still considered “elderly” under SNAP and remain eligible for certain deductions and exemptions.
FRAC warns of confusion and rushed SNAP rollout
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), a nonprofit advocacy group, criticized the USDA for quietly releasing the new guidance and giving states only until Nov. 1 to implement “some of the most harmful cuts to SNAP in decades.”
FRAC said states typically need 12 to 18 months to roll out major SNAP changes, but are now being forced to act within weeks. FRAC warned that the rushed rollout could create “unnecessary chaos and confusion” as states try to update systems and avoid errors.
“Food for the hungry should never have a time limit,” FRAC said in a statement. “Programs like SNAP reflect our shared values of fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all.”
The group also noted that SNAP benefits fuel local economies, especially in rural areas, estimating that each dollar in SNAP spending generates about $1.80 in economic activity.
USDA prioritized getting more SNAP recipients to work
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the new approach in April, saying that the administration’s goal is to strengthen accountability and encourage work participation.
“Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” Rollins said. “It is important to remind states that Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by able-bodied adults without dependents on satisfying work requirements.”
Rollins said some states have overused work requirement waivers. The new changes, she said, mark “a new era” for SNAP, focused on encouraging employment, job training and community service over reliance on benefits.
Work requirements have shifted for decades. Past administrations, headed by both Republicans and Democrats, have adjusted rules depending on economic conditions.
Research from the University of Illinois shows that, while such policies often reduce SNAP enrollment, they do not consistently lead to higher employment rates.
Parents and caregivers face tighter SNAP exemptions
The law also tightens rules for parents and caregivers. In the past, a person caring for a child under 18 was automatically exempt from these time limits.
Under the new rules, that only applies if the child is under 14. Parents of teenagers aged 14 to 17 will now need to meet work requirements, unless they qualify for another exception.
Some temporary exceptions that were added in 2023 are also going away. Homeless individuals, veterans and young adults who recently aged out of foster care will once again have to follow the standard ABAWD rules, unless they qualify under another category.
New protections for Native American communities
At the same time, the law adds new exceptions for Native Americans, including members of federally recognized tribes, urban Natives and California Natives.
These individuals are not subject to the time limits if they meet the criteria defined in federal law. States must carefully verify who qualifies under these new categories.
The new rules took effect immediately, meaning states must now screen all new applicants and those renewing SNAP benefits under the updated guidelines. They’re also required to clearly explain the changes in writing and in person, so households know who must work or train to stay eligible.
