Major updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are expected to significantly change how food assistance operates nationwide. The revisions, enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, mark one of the most sweeping overhauls to the program in decades. They include cuts to federal spending and stricter rules for who qualifies for benefits.
Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office indicate that once the changes are fully implemented, an average of about 2.4 million people per month could be affected. One of the most notable changes is the expansion of work requirements. In most cases, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 will need to work at least 80 hours each month to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited timeframe.
Although some exemptions will still apply—such as for people with disabilities or parents caring for young children—several previous exceptions have been removed. These include exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young adults who recently exited foster care. States will still have the option to request waivers in regions with particularly high unemployment.
The legislation also tightens immigration-related eligibility, restricting SNAP access to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Previously, some non-citizens with temporary or humanitarian protections qualified for assistance. The CBO estimates that this change alone could affect roughly 90,000 people each month.
Additionally, adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan—the formula used to determine benefit amounts—will be suspended until 2027 as a cost-saving measure. Supporters of the changes say they promote fiscal responsibility and program integrity, while critics warn the reforms could increase food insecurity among already vulnerable populations.
