The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest federal nutritional aid program, currently supports over 41 million Americans in 21.6 million households. However, proposed reforms could put 3.2 million recipients at risk of losing their benefits permanently.
What’s Changing in SNAP Requirements?
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that changes included in the “Big Beautiful Act,” which aims to save $92 billion over the next decade, would raise the maximum age for mandatory employment from 54 to 64 years old. Under current rules, adults aged 18-54 without dependent children must work or participate in training for 80 hours a month to maintain eligibility.
The bill also lowers the exemption age for dependent children from 18 to 7 years old. These adjustments would affect:
- Over 1 million adults aged 55-64 without disabilities
- Approximately 800,000 caregivers of children age 7 and older
- 1.4 million adults currently exempt due to legal status or other reasons
Most affected individuals are unable to meet the new work requirements due to various legitimate barriers.
Who Is Currently Exempt?
Certain groups remain exempt from work requirements, including:
- Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Veterans
- Homeless persons
- Those under 24 years old in foster care
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must meet the 80-hour work or training requirement or risk losing benefits after three months.
The Debate Over SNAP Cuts
While proponents argue that tightening work requirements encourages self-sufficiency and reduces government spending, opponents warn of the risks to food security. Feeding America and other advocacy groups express concerns that these changes could increase hunger among older adults and families with school-aged children.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The bill also proposes eliminating eligibility for individuals without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, potentially affecting 120,000 to 250,000 immigrants with temporary statuses, including those with Temporary Protected Status or pending asylum claims.
SNAP Benefits Overview for 2025
In 2023, 42.1 million people received SNAP benefits, representing 12.6% of the U.S. population. Benefit amounts vary by household size and state. For fiscal year 2025 (ending September 30), maximum monthly benefits are:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
An update to benefit amounts is expected effective October 1, 2025, following the close of the fiscal year.
Information sourced from:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
- Feeding America
- Official legislative documents on the Big Beautiful Act