Significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to reshape how food assistance is administered across the United States. The reforms, introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, represent one of the most substantial updates to the program in decades and include reductions in federal funding along with tighter eligibility standards.
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the revised rules could affect an average of about 2.4 million people each month once they are fully in place. A major component of the overhaul is the expansion of work requirements. Adults ages 18 through 64 will generally be required to work at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited time period.
While certain exemptions remain—such as for individuals with disabilities or parents caring for young children—other exemptions have been eliminated. These include previous allowances for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. States may still apply for waivers in areas where unemployment rates are especially high. The law also narrows immigration eligibility for SNAP, limiting benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Previously, some non-citizens with humanitarian or temporary protections were eligible. The CBO estimates this change alone could impact roughly 90,000 individuals per month. In addition, updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate benefit levels, will be paused until 2027 to control program costs. Supporters argue the reforms strengthen accountability, while critics caution they may increase food insecurity for vulnerable households.
