Starting Monday, September 1, 2025, a new federal rule under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (“OBBB”) imposes stricter work requirements and time limits on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—a change that could profoundly affect millions of Americans who rely on food assistance.
What’s Changing?
Under the updated law, certain SNAP beneficiaries—including able-bodied adults without dependent children aged 18 to 54—must now complete at least 80 hours of work, volunteering, education, or job training per month (equivalent to 20 hours per week) to remain eligible for benefits. Those who do not meet these requirements could face cuts or termination of benefits. Importantly, states may no longer waive these federal requirements, even in regions with high unemployment, increasing the risk for sudden loss of assistance.
How SNAP Recipients Are Affected
- Adults without dependents or those between 18–54: Must meet the new 80‑hour requirement to continue receiving assistance.
- Parents with older children: The law extends work requirements to individuals with children up to age 18, widening the scope of those affected.
- States face increased costs: The federal government is shifting a larger share of SNAP administration costs to states—raising state contributions from 50% to 75%—which may prompt states to tighten eligibility or reduce outreach to manage budgets.
Broader Implications for Low-Income Families
These changes arrive alongside sweeping cuts to SNAP funding—estimated at $186 billion between 2025 and 2034—and restrictions on updating benefit calculations such as the Thrifty Food Plan, which may reduce the value of assistance per household.
Analysts warn that millions of Americans—particularly those unable to meet strict work thresholds due to caregiving, health, or local job market conditions—could lose access to essential food support. A Business Insider report notes that retailers like Walmart may see increased demand as families scramble for low-cost groceries after SNAP cuts begin Business Insider.
In places like California, already strained food banks and social services are bracing for overwhelming demand. Reports indicate significant cuts to state-level SNAP programs (e.g., CalFresh), reduced exemptions for vulnerable groups, and expanded eligibility restrictions will compound the crisis San Francisco Chronicle.
What You Need to Know
- Effective Date: Monday, September 1, 2025, marks the start of new SNAP work requirements and time limits.
- Who’s impacted: Able-bodied adults without dependents, some parents of older children, and beneficiaries in states that could reject waivers.
- What to expect: Greater difficulty maintaining benefits, increased administrative burden on states, and amplified food insecurity risks for vulnerable populations.
