The U.S. government’s food assistance program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is going through major changes. These new rules, signed into law by former President Donald Trump on July 4, are starting to affect millions of people who depend on food stamps to survive.
While the law was introduced as part of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” many families now feel the effects are anything but beautiful. With new work rules and fewer exemptions, some people are already losing access to this much-needed help. Here’s everything you need to know if you or someone you know relies on SNAP.
New Work Requirements Are Causing Big Problems
One of the biggest changes is that adults without children now need to work or take part in training for at least 20 hours per week to keep receiving SNAP benefits. These rules began in Texas in August 2024, and now other states are slowly starting to follow, but in different ways.
This has created a confusing system where rules depend on where you live. Some states like California and New Mexico have asked for more time to apply the new rules—until 2026 in some cases—while states like Texas have already begun enforcing them.
According to experts, this rollout is disorganized and frustrating. Social workers say it’s hard for people to know what’s expected of them. And even though the law allows flexibility in areas with high unemployment, the process to get those exemptions is so complicated that many can’t access them in time.
Who Could Lose SNAP Benefits?
Reports suggest that 3.2 million people could lose their SNAP benefits by 2025 because of these work requirements. Over the next decade, the government might cut $186 billion from the program.
This could affect more than:
800,000 children
500,000 elderly and disabled individuals
Many of these people simply can’t work or find suitable jobs. Food banks are already reporting 40% more emergency food requests, which shows that families are struggling.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) claims these changes are meant to promote self-reliance, activists say the math doesn’t add up. “Less SNAP means more hunger,” says food activist Darrell Williams.
What Is SNAP and How Does It Work?
SNAP, also called food stamps, is America’s main food support program for low-income families. Run by the USDA, it helps people buy basic food like fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, and meat using a special EBT card.
SNAP is especially important for families with children, older people, and those with disabilities. Payments are adjusted each year based on inflation. In 2025, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was 2.5%.
Here’s the maximum monthly SNAP amount in 2025 for households in the 48 U.S. states and D.C.:
1 person – $292
2 people – $536
3 people – $768
4 people – $975
5 people – $1,158
6 people – $1,390
7 people – $1,536
8 people – $1,756
Each additional person – +$220
States That May Lose the Most SNAP Recipients
Some states are likely to be hit harder than others. Here are the top ten:
Texas
Around 450,000 people could lose benefits by the end of 2025. This includes rural workers, legal immigrants, and single parents who can’t meet the new work rules.
California
With 4.2 million beneficiaries, around 400,000 could be impacted, especially in farming areas and cities with high living costs.
Florida
Expected to lose 350,000 SNAP recipients, many of whom are older adults, part-time workers, and people living in expensive tourist areas.
New York
Nearly 300,000 people could be affected, including many single parents and immigrant families in New York City.
Pennsylvania
As job opportunities fall in old industrial towns, 250,000 people may lose aid, including laid-off workers.
Ohio
Up to 200,000 people could be affected, especially in mining regions and small towns with few job openings.
Georgia
Could lose 180,000 beneficiaries, especially in rural areas with limited access to jobs or training programs.
Illinois
Around 175,000 people may be impacted, many in urban areas dealing with unemployment.
Michigan
About 160,000 people could lose benefits, mostly working-class families in struggling regions.
North Carolina
Roughly 150,000 may be affected, including people in low-income neighborhoods and areas with few job training resources.
The new SNAP work rules are already changing lives—and not for the better. While the idea is to encourage people to work, the reality is that many cannot meet the requirements due to health, age, or lack of job opportunities.
If these rules continue as planned, millions of people—including families with children and senior citizens—could lose access to the food support they depend on.
As food banks report rising demand and more states prepare to enforce the changes, it’s clear that SNAP recipients across the country need better support. Whether it’s through legal action or updated policies, many are calling for a fairer and more flexible approach to food assistance in America.
