Millions of Americans who depend on food stamps are now facing a major change after the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered every state to enforce a new work requirement for SNAP benefits. The government requires all states to implement the new requirements by November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) signed earlier this year.
Major Changes to SNAP Rules
The new changes have introduced stricter rules for who can receive long-term food assistance under SNAP, especially among able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Such individuals will now continue to receive benefits for only three months within three years, unless they meet specific work or training requirements.
Previously, the rules applied to adults aged between 18 and 54, but starting November 1, that age will expand to 18 through 64. This change will increase the number of people required to work, train, or volunteer to keep their SNAP benefits.
The new rules also narrow exemptions for parents or guardians, who will now qualify only if they are caring for children aged below 14 years, rather than 18 years as before. Exemptions for homeless individuals, young adults, and veterans who recently left foster care have also been scrapped completely.
However, people who are pregnant or unable to work because of verified physical or mental conditions will be exempted. Under the new rules, Native American populations will also be covered under federal law.
Why November 1 Is a Turning Point for SNAP Recipients
Agencies have less than three months to comply with the new rules, per the USDA directive published on October 3. Given that this process typically takes more than a year, this timeline is extremely short.
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) expressed disapproval of the rapid rollout, cautioning that caseworkers and families may become confused and disorganized as a result of the short schedule. There should be no time limit on providing food for the hungry.
“Food for the hungry should never have a time limit. Programs like SNAP reflect our shared values of fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all,” the FRAC said in a statement.
State screening of all new and renewing candidates must start right away in order to satisfy the deadline. They will also update communications systems to notify all families of their new responsibilities at the same time.
Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Rules
The new reforms may impact hundreds of thousands of low-income adults who depend on SNAP to pay for groceries each month. About 42 million Americans already benefit from the program, including millions of single adults who will now need to prove that they participated in training or job.
Under the new rules, able-bodied adults must work, volunteer, or participate in a job training program for a minimum of 80 hours every month to remain eligible. Those who fail to meet the requirement will risk losing their benefits after three months within three years.
According to Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKi, some people may be ineligible to receive benefits not because they don’t want to work but because of failure to meet compliance or documentation requirements.
“People may lose benefits not because they don’t want to work, but because they can’t meet documentation or compliance requirements. Many families facing real but invisible barriers to work need additional support to achieve lasting stability and self-sufficiency,” said Brittany.
Debate Over the New SNAP Rules
The Trump administration supports the new rules, saying that it is a push towards accountability and self-reliance. In a joint opinion piece for the New York Times, senior officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, said this in writing:
“Able-bodied adults receiving benefits must work, participate in job training or volunteer in their communities at least 20 hours a week. Limited exceptions will be made for good cause, like caring for young children and health issues, but the principle is clear — those who can work, should.”
How States Are Preparing for the November 1 SNAP Deadline
Most state agencies are now moving with haste to train staff, upgrade eligibility systems, and notify recipients before November 1. As they scramble to meet the deadline, some have even issued warnings about potential payment delays and system issues.
Advocacy organizations worry that the short timeline would lead to confusion and unjustified benefit terminations, particularly in rural areas where recipients experience high rates of poverty.
“This is not about politics; it is about people, and it is about what kind of country we choose to be,” the Food Action and Research Center said in its statement.
What Happens Next for SNAP Recipients
After November 1, the USDA will monitor state compliance. Agencies that fail to meet the new requirements could be at risk of penalties. Although some states may request temporary waivers to avoid disruption of benefits, officials have confirmed that the new rules are here to stay.
Therefore, SNAP recipients will have to face stricter rules, more paperwork, and ensure they adhere to the new rules or else risk losing their benefits.