Starting September 1, 2025, significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will affect millions of beneficiaries. These changes stem from the federal budget legislation known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, signed into law by President Donald Trump and promoted by the Republican Party.
The new rules primarily impact able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), focusing on their work requirements to maintain eligibility for food assistance.
Expanded Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
The new law requires individuals under 55 years old who do not have dependent children to engage in a minimum of 20 hours of employment-related activities per week. This translates to at least 80 hours per month, which can be met through paid work, formal education or training programs, or volunteer work.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in a time limit on SNAP benefits, restricting individuals to only three months of assistance within a three-year period.
Work Requirements Extended to New Groups
The scope of these work requirements has been expanded to include groups that were previously exempt. Veterans and people between the ages of 55 and 64 are now required to fulfill the same 20-hour per week obligation.
Additionally, the definition of a dependent has been changed, lowering the age threshold from 18 to 7 years old. As a result, parents or guardians with children over 7 years old will now be subject to the same work requirements.
SNAP Exemptions and Eligibility Changes
While most individuals are required to meet the new work requirements, certain groups are exempt from these obligations. These exemptions include:
Individuals with certified physical or mental disabilities
Pregnant women
Those responsible for the care of a child under 6 years old or a disabled person
Participants in alcohol or drug treatment programs
Part-time students (with additional rules for college students)
Homeless individuals, veterans, or young people under 24 who were in foster care when they reached the age of majority
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun proactively sending voluntary surveys to identify beneficiaries who may qualify for these exemptions.
Impact on SNAP Benefits and Funding Cuts
The new legislation also proposes federal cuts to SNAP, with estimates indicating a reduction of $186 billion in funding by 2034. These cuts will be redistributed to state governments, as they will now be required to share the cost of benefits and program administration.
Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts (Up to September 2025)
The following benefit amounts are set for the SNAP program in the contiguous United States and the District of Columbia through September 30, 2025:
1-person household: $292
2-person household: $536
3-person household: $768
4-person household: $975
5-person household: $1,158
6-person household: $1,390
7-person household: $1,536
8-person household: $1,756
For households with more than eight members, an additional $220 will be added for each extra person.
The changes introduced by the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 will have a significant impact on millions of SNAP beneficiaries, particularly able-bodied adults without dependents.
These new work requirements and exemptions are set to reshape the landscape of food assistance programs, while funding cuts and state-level financial responsibility will also alter how the program operates moving forward.
It’s crucial for beneficiaries to stay informed about these changes and ensure compliance to maintain access to benefits.
