Urgent deadline for new SNAP requirements approaches: Here’s who is affected
Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are underway, and the deadline for states to implement them is quickly approaching.
An overhaul of SNAP work requirements, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will be enforced by states starting Nov. 1.
The changes, which took effect on July 4, 2025, will most affect able-bodied adults without dependents.
Under the new rules , those affected by the change must work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month.
Beneficiaries who do not meet the requirement will be limited to receiving only three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period.
"Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive SNAP for only three months in a three-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements," the USDA announced in a release. "This is called the ABAWD time limit."
The new law broadens the age for individuals subject to work requirements from 54 to 64. It also narrows the exemption for adults living with a child from under 18 to under 14.
Previously, groups like homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults who aged out of foster care had temporary exemptions that have now been adjusted.
States can ask the USDA to temporarily waive the time limit for areas with an unemployment rate of more than 10% or that do not have "a sufficient number" of jobs.
Recipients who may be affected by these changes should contact their local SNAP agency to get the most accurate information and to verify their status.
More Business News
Generative AI was used to organize information into a clear and concise article for this story, based on data provided by MassLive.com. It was reviewed and edited by MassLive. See the Advance Local Guide to Disclosing Use of AI .
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
