Expanded SNAP Work Requirements Implemented in More States Following Trump-Supported Legislation
FOX Business host Charles Payne breaks down the SNAP food benefits program and how they’re being impacted by the government shutdown on ‘Making Money.’
New work requirements are expanding across more states starting Sunday for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the nation’s largest federal assistance program.
Beginning today, adults aged 18 to 64 without dependent children must either work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to qualify for SNAP benefits. Those who fail to meet these requirements will only be eligible for benefits for three months within a three-year period.
The new regulations extend work rules to additional groups that were previously exempt, including adults aged 55 to 64 and parents with children aged 14 or older. Furthermore, the law removes prior exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and those aged 18 to 24 who were in foster care when they turned 18, according to federal guidance.
These changes are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer.
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“SNAP welcomed here” sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that these new provisions will lead to a reduction in SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade. About one-third of those affected are able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependent children, while around 300,000 are able-bodied adults in that age range living with children aged 14 or older.
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In addition to the work requirements, the law introduces broader changes to SNAP that will impact benefit levels for many households. This includes limits on future benefit increases and adjustments to how certain living expenses are calculated when determining monthly aid, according to the CBO. These provisions are expected to result in smaller benefit amounts over time, even for some recipients who remain eligible.
A volunteer displays information on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) at a grocery store in Dorchester, Massachusetts, US, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Mel Musto/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
As this broader expansion takes effect, states like Illinois and Ohio are implementing the changes, but the rollout varies by state. For example, Texas began enforcing its new requirements in October, meaning some recipients there may have already exhausted their three-month benefit window. In contrast, states like Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, and Georgia began their three-month window in November, which is now nearing its end.
The law also provides flexibility for areas with high unemployment rates. Counties with unemployment rates exceeding 10% may qualify for waivers, while Alaska and Hawaii can suspend work requirements if unemployment reaches 1.5 times the national average.
“SNAP/EBT Food Stamp Benefits Accepted” is displayed on a screen inside a Family Dollar Stores Inc. store in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Dollar Tree Inc. released earnings figures on March 4. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The CBO has also cautioned that further changes in the law could lead states to modify or reduce their SNAP programs in the coming years. This is due to the requirement for states to cover a larger share of administrative and benefit costs under certain conditions.
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Currently, nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, over 80% of SNAP households have gross incomes at or below the federal poverty line.
FOX Business host Charles Payne breaks down the SNAP food benefits program and how they’re being impacted by the government shutdown on ‘Making Money.’
New work requirements are expanding across more states starting Sunday for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the nation’s largest federal assistance program.
Beginning today, adults aged 18 to 64 without dependent children must either work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to qualify for SNAP benefits. Those who fail to meet these requirements will only be eligible for benefits for three months within a three-year period.
The new regulations extend work rules to additional groups that were previously exempt, including adults aged 55 to 64 and parents with children aged 14 or older. Furthermore, the law removes prior exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and those aged 18 to 24 who were in foster care when they turned 18, according to federal guidance.
These changes are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer.
TRUMP CONSIDERS SETTLING MASSIVE $10B IRS LAWSUIT, DONATING PROCEEDS TO CHARITY
“SNAP welcomed here” sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that these new provisions will lead to a reduction in SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade. About one-third of those affected are able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependent children, while around 300,000 are able-bodied adults in that age range living with children aged 14 or older.
HOW AMERICANS COULD GET A $1,000 BOOST THIS TAX SEASON
In addition to the work requirements, the law introduces broader changes to SNAP that will impact benefit levels for many households. This includes limits on future benefit increases and adjustments to how certain living expenses are calculated when determining monthly aid, according to the CBO. These provisions are expected to result in smaller benefit amounts over time, even for some recipients who remain eligible.
A volunteer displays information on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) at a grocery store in Dorchester, Massachusetts, US, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Mel Musto/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
As this broader expansion takes effect, states like Illinois and Ohio are implementing the changes, but the rollout varies by state. For example, Texas began enforcing its new requirements in October, meaning some recipients there may have already exhausted their three-month benefit window. In contrast, states like Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, and Georgia began their three-month window in November, which is now nearing its end.
The law also provides flexibility for areas with high unemployment rates. Counties with unemployment rates exceeding 10% may qualify for waivers, while Alaska and Hawaii can suspend work requirements if unemployment reaches 1.5 times the national average.
“SNAP/EBT Food Stamp Benefits Accepted” is displayed on a screen inside a Family Dollar Stores Inc. store in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Dollar Tree Inc. released earnings figures on March 4. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The CBO has also cautioned that further changes in the law could lead states to modify or reduce their SNAP programs in the coming years. This is due to the requirement for states to cover a larger share of administrative and benefit costs under certain conditions.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
Currently, nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, over 80% of SNAP households have gross incomes at or below the federal poverty line.
