Major changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to take effect in November following recently passed legislation. The update is considered one of the most significant overhauls to the program in years, impacting how benefits are structured, managed, and delivered.

According to projections from the Congressional Budget Office, the new law is expected to reduce overall federal spending on SNAP over the next decade. Supporters argue that the reforms are intended to streamline the system and improve efficiency, while critics warn that they could place additional pressure on low-income households that depend on food assistance.

One key adjustment involves changes to eligibility rules. These updates may narrow access for certain individuals, including some adults without dependents, while also adding new administrative requirements for state agencies. Because of this, states are preparing for increased workloads and challenges as they work to implement the new policies.