Major Changes to SNAP Food Assistance Program

While lawmakers frame the changes as promoting “accountability” and “fiscal responsibility,” critics warn they could cut food aid for millions of vulnerable Americans, including seniors, working parents, veterans, and immigrants.

Here’s a clear, nonpartisan breakdown of what’s changing—and who it affects.

📉 Key Changes & Who They Impact

1. Expanded Work Requirements (Affects Adults Up to Age 65)

Old rule: Only able-bodied adults 18–54 without dependents had to work 80 hrs/month to get SNAP beyond 3 months in 3 years.

New rule: Applies to ages 18–65—dramatically expanding who must meet work requirements.

Exemptions eliminated:

Homeless individuals

Veterans

Former foster youth under 25

Parents: Only those with children 13 or younger are exempt. Parents of teens 14+ must now work.

Waivers: Still allowed in areas with ≥10% unemployment (Alaska/Hawaii: ≥150% of national avg).

⚠️ Impact: An estimated 700,000+ people could lose benefits due to stricter work rules (CBO).

2. Stricter Rules for Immigrants

Previously eligible groups now excluded:

Long-term residents admitted before June 30, 1948

Those with deferred deportation

Individuals granted “parole” entry

Now limited to: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) only.

Humanitarian exceptions remain narrow (e.g., trafficking victims).

⚠️ Impact: ~90,000 people per month may lose access (LULAC estimate).

3. Capped & Frozen Benefit Adjustments

The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)—used to calculate SNAP benefits—faces new limits: