As November approaches, states are warning recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that their eligibility for food assistance may change due to new provisions stemming from the recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This comprehensive legislation, which passed over the summer, is set to overhaul SNAP, impacting over 42 million individuals who rely on the program for food assistance, with projected federal spending cuts of approximately $186 billion over the next decade.
Key changes are scheduled to take effect in November, including stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Under the new rules, adults aged 18 to 64 must demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month, pursuing education, or enrolled in a training program to maintain their SNAP benefits. If they fail to provide proof, they will be limited to just three months of assistance.
Previously exempt groups, including parents of dependents under 18, veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults transitioning from foster care, will now also need to meet these work requirements to qualify for more than three months of benefits. However, a new exception has been introduced for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
In regions with high unemployment (over 10%), the ABAWD work requirements may be waived, but these rules will vary slightly for Alaska and Hawaii. Additionally, changes to immigrant eligibility for SNAP will affect refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors, potentially leading to loss of benefits for these groups.
Critics of the One Big Beautiful Bill point out that other provisions will further restrict food assistance access, including limiting annual cost-of-living adjustments and altering how utility expenses are calculated for households. Moreover, the bill shifts a larger portion of SNAP administration costs to states, increasing their financial responsibility from 50% to 75% starting in the 2027 fiscal year. Consequently, states may be compelled to reduce or eliminate benefits due to these financial constraints.
With these sweeping changes on the horizon, many SNAP recipients are left in uncertainty about their food assistance eligibility. As the deadline for implementation approaches on November 1, 2025, further guidance from the Food and Nutrition Service is expected.
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