The recent end of the federal government shutdown brought relief to millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). But reopening the government wasn’t the only major development. With President Trump’s signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, SNAP is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history — changes that will reshape eligibility, funding, and how states administer the program.
These reforms — totaling an estimated $186 billion in spending reductions — have sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. But beyond the headlines, millions of households are now trying to understand what the new rules actually mean for them. Here is a breakdown of the changes, why they were introduced, and how they may affect individuals and families who depend on SNAP.
SNAP in 2024: A Snapshot of the Program
SNAP is the nation’s largest food assistance program. It serves around 42 million Americans, or about one in eight residents. These beneficiaries represent a wide range of circumstances:
- 39% are children,
- roughly 10% are adults with disabilities, and
- about 20% are seniors.
In Fiscal Year 2024, SNAP received $100.3 billion in federal funding. States received about $7 billion of that total to handle administrative duties such as enrollment, verification, appeals, and fraud prevention.
On average, SNAP provided the equivalent of about $6 per day per person, an amount that varies depending on household size, income, and local cost of living.
Although many Americans saw videos online during the shutdown showing individuals with unusually high balances on their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, these cases were not representative of typical benefits. Most recipients receive modest monthly amounts designed to help supplement, not fully cover, their grocery needs.
What the New Law Changes — And Why It Matters
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduces a long list of adjustments, some of which expand earlier policies while others significantly tighten eligibility. The overarching goals, according to the law’s supporters, are to reduce costs, increase workforce participation, and streamline program administration. Critics argue the new rules will remove support from vulnerable populations and place additional burdens on states.
Here are the most consequential reforms:
1. Expanded Work Requirements
One of the biggest changes affects Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (often referred to as ABAWDs). Previously, these recipients between ages 18 and 54 had to work or participate in an approved activity for 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits longer than three months within a three-year period.
Under the new law, the upper age limit has increased to 64.
This means more adults will now fall under the work requirement umbrella. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 2.4 million recipients may lose eligibility if they cannot meet these requirements.
Supporters argue that work requirements encourage self-sufficiency and help reduce fraud. Opponents contend that many individuals face barriers — limited transportation, health issues, unstable job markets — that make consistent employment difficult even if they are willing to work.
2. Removal of Previously Granted Exemptions
In recent years, several groups were exempt from time limits, including:
- veterans,
- people experiencing homelessness,
- and individuals aging out of the foster care system.
These exemptions have now been eliminated.
Supporters of the change say that uniform requirements create fairness and reduce loopholes. Critics warn that the change will disproportionately impact people with unstable living conditions or limited support networks.
3. Caregiver Rule Redefined
Previously, caregivers responsible for children under 18 were exempt from time limits. Under the new legislation, that exemption only applies to those caring for children under 14.
This shift may affect single parents the most, particularly those whose children are in their mid-teens but still require oversight.
4. Stricter Criteria for State Waivers
States have historically been allowed to request waivers from work requirements in regions with limited job opportunities. Some states used local or regional data to demonstrate these economic challenges.
Under the new rules:
- States must use federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data only.
- They may qualify only if unemployment is above 10%.
- Alaska and Hawaii remain exceptions, as they have unique labor markets and cost-of-living factors.
The new standard significantly narrows the number of regions eligible for waivers.
5. Reduced Federal Cost Share for Administration
The federal government previously covered 75% of administrative costs. Now, that share falls to 50%.
This shift places a larger burden on states, many of which already struggle with tight budgets. Some states may need to hire additional staff to handle increased verification requirements under the new rules, further adding to their expenses.
6. Changes to Eligibility for Non-Citizens
The new law ends SNAP eligibility for approximately 250,000 refugees and individuals with humanitarian visas.
Supporters see this as a measure to prioritize benefits for citizens and legal permanent residents. Critics argue that refugees often rely on SNAP temporarily as they integrate into U.S. communities and that removing this safety net may hinder their long-term stability.
Expected Impact on Enrollment
Government analysts estimate that the combined reforms could remove as many as 3 million recipients from the program.
Most reductions will stem from:
- reinstated and expanded work requirements,
- elimination of exemptions, and
- changes in non-citizen eligibility.
The biggest financial savings, according to supporters, will come from reducing improper payments and tightening oversight. Fraud has been a longstanding concern, though the actual rate of fraud in SNAP has historically been relatively low compared to other programs. Even so, the administration argues that stricter rules will reduce vulnerabilities.
How These Changes May Affect Households
For current and potential SNAP recipients, the effect of the new policies may vary depending on household structure, employment status, and location.
Households Most Likely to Be Affected
- Single adults without dependents
- Older adults aged 55–64
- Individuals intermittently employed
- Caregivers of teenagers
- People who previously relied on state-level waivers
- Refugees and those with humanitarian visa status
Households Least Likely to See Changes
- Seniors over 65
- Individuals with verified disabilities
- Families with younger children
- Households already meeting work requirements
What Comes Next
As the new rules take effect, states will need to update their systems, retrain caseworkers, and begin notifying recipients about upcoming changes. Many SNAP participants will have to navigate new reporting requirements or explore job training and workforce programs.
The goal of expanding workforce participation may succeed for some individuals, especially those who can readily access stable employment. For others, particularly those in low-growth regions or facing personal barriers, the transition may prove more challenging.
Regardless of political perspective, the scale of these reforms means they will shape the landscape of food assistance for years to come. Over the next several months, policymakers, state agencies, and community organizations will be watching closely to understand how the changes affect food security, program efficiency, and the broader economy.