Navigating the Latest SNAP Work Requirement Changes
As of September 1, 2025, significant updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements have taken effect, impacting millions of recipients across the United States. These changes, introduced through recent federal legislation including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald J. Trump in July, have altered age limits and tightened eligibility criteria for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). The updates aim to balance the program's goal of providing food assistance with an emphasis on encouraging work and responsibility among recipients.
The most notable change is the adjustment of the age limit for ABAWD work requirements. Previously, individuals aged out of these requirements at 52, but under the phased implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, this limit rose to 54 as of October 1, 2024. Now, with the new legislation, there are reports of further expansions, with some sources indicating that adults up to age 64 may be subject to stricter rules, though official guidance from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is still pending on the specifics of these changes.
Impact of Exemptions and Geographic Waivers
Alongside the age limit adjustments, the removal or reduction of certain exemptions has sparked concern among advocates. Under the new rules, exemptions for groups such as parents, older adults, and veterans have been curtailed in some jurisdictions. However, specific exemptions remain for individuals who are homeless, veterans of all ages, and former foster youth, as established in prior agreements like those tied to the debt ceiling negotiations in 2023. Despite these protections, community organizations in states like Iowa and Illinois warn that thousands could lose benefits due to the inability to meet the mandated 20 hours per week of work, volunteering, or training.
Geographic waivers continue to play a critical role in mitigating the impact of these work requirements. States with high unemployment rates—above 10 percent—or areas lacking sufficient job opportunities can request temporary waivers from the FNS for the ABAWD time limit. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands remains shielded by an unemployment-based waiver until December 31, 2025. The FNS has also committed to increasing transparency by publicly sharing waiver materials for fiscal years 2025-2029, updating state requests and responses quarterly.
What Recipients Need to Know to Stay Compliant
For SNAP recipients, understanding and complying with these updated rules is crucial to maintaining benefits. Able-bodied adults aged 18 to 54, and potentially up to 64 depending on pending guidance, without dependents must now work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits beyond a three-month period within three years. Failure to meet these requirements could result in a loss of assistance, a concern echoed by advocacy groups across the country.
State agencies, such as the Maryland Department of Human Services and the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, are working to disseminate information about these changes, though many are still awaiting detailed federal guidance. Recipients are encouraged to contact their local SNAP offices to confirm their status, explore eligibility for remaining exemptions, or seek assistance with employment and training programs offered through state SNAP agencies. As these rules continue to roll out, staying informed will be key to navigating the evolving landscape of food assistance in the United States.