By Mark L., Intern
States across the country have been working around the clock to restore food assistance following the federal government shutdown, and many families are about to face new hurdles under recently approved changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Earlier this year, Congress passed significant revisions to SNAP as part of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued updated guidance that will begin removing many current recipients from the program. As states now catch up on their records, apply new work rules, and take on a larger share of SNAP’s costs, even more people may lose benefits in the months ahead.
Alabama officials stated that residents who missed regular benefits during the shutdown should have started receiving their payments on November 14.
For years, some able-bodied adults without dependents were exempt from SNAP’s work rules. Under the new law, most adults under 65 must now prove they’re working at least 80 hours per month, enrolled in school, or participating in a training program to remain eligible. Those who cannot verify this can only receive benefits for up to three months.
Parents with children under 14 will generally remain exempt, but those with dependents ages 14 to 18 will likely need to meet the new standards. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults exiting foster care — groups that previously received exemptions — will now also be required to meet work requirements. People with disabilities remain exempt.
The law also restricts which non-citizens can qualify for SNAP. Eligibility is now limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and citizens of nations included in the Compacts of Free Association.
Lawful permanent residents can only receive SNAP after living in the U.S. for five years, unless they qualify through special circumstances, such as being under 18 or having a military connection. Refugees, individuals granted asylum, and survivors of human trafficking will lose access to SNAP under the updated rules.
States are expected to begin enforcing these changes immediately.
