SNAP benefit changes will have a ‘ripple effect’ at local grocery stores
Leaders at Forest Park’s Living Fresh Market say recent changes to SNAP benefits are increasing fear and uncertainty for struggling families.
Fox – 32 Chicago
Some of the approximately 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are running out of time to prepare for new work requirements.
The nation’s largest nutrition assistance program became a flashpoint during a 43-day government shutdown in 2025, which was eventually ended with funding restored, but not before a series of lawsuits that have brought the program under new scrutiny. SNAP was already broken long before the stalemate. But when President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill was passed in July 2025, it outlined tougher regulations and billions of dollars in funding cuts.
New work requirements were added to prevent “fraud and waste,” according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, but the U.S. Congressional Research Service said in an April 7, 2025, report that SNAP fraud is “rare,” and that available data and reports show that many overpayments can result from unintentional mistakes.
Critics have warned against the changes, saying they would weaken vital social safety nets. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that about 3.5 million people lost benefits between July 2025 and February 2026, and local politicians, including New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, are pushing to pass legislation to close the gap.
States were given a grace period to enact these rules before beneficiaries began to see potential reductions in benefits. June 1 is the deadline for work requirements in several populous states, including New York and California, meaning more Americans will be covered by the provision.
Here’s what you need to know about the new SNAP work requirements.
New SNAP work requirements
President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in July, aims to cut SNAP funding by an estimated $186 billion by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It also added new restrictions to the program, including expanded work requirements.
Under the bill, non-disabled adults (referred to in government documents as able-bodied adults without dependents or ABAWD) who wish to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a three-year period must meet work requirements if:
- No documented medical or circumstantial exemption. (physical or mental health, pregnancy, age, assistance from other programs, membership in a designated Indian group).
- Ages 18-65 (up from the previous maximum age of 55).
- Do not have any dependents under the age of 14 (previously the dependent age was 18).
- Veterans, people under the age of 24 who have recently aged out of foster care, or people who are homeless. Previously, these groups were exempt from labor requirements.
To meet the work requirement, non-exempt individuals must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week/80 hours per month in paid employment or earn at least $217.50 per week before taxes.or
- Perform at least 80 hours of unpaid work per month (services can be exchanged for non-monetary payments, such as performing building maintenance to reduce rent). Pre-approval and verifiable proof of business hours required. or
- Participate in an approved education or training program for at least 80 hours per month. This includes college courses, certificate programs, SNAP employment and training programs, local job readiness courses, and similar initiatives. Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program is also important.or
- Perform a certain amount of community service or volunteer work based on state-specific guidelines. This may include volunteer and work experience programs with local nonprofits and public service organizations such as food pantries, parks, and libraries. Hours are calculated by dividing your SNAP benefits by your state’s minimum wage. New York State Example: If you receive $300 in SNAP and the state minimum wage in your area is $16, you must complete 18 hours of community service or volunteer work each month. ($300 ÷ $16.00 = 18 hours).
Who receives SNAP benefits?
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is offering the card, known as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), to about 12% of Americans for a limited time to help purchase basic groceries. Many of the beneficiaries are the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.
To qualify, households must be below 130% of the poverty line. That means their income is no more than 30% below the federal poverty guidelines ($15,960 per single person in 2026). $27,320 for a three-person household. $38,680 for a five-person household.
In 2025, the monthly cap for a one-person household will be $298, but it could rise to as much as $785 for a three-person household and $1,183 for a five-person household, according to the USDA. There are special additional rules for households with elderly or disabled people.
SNAP benefits are determined by the state and funded by the USDA. To maintain eligibility, recipients must recertify periodically. Benefits are typically only provided for three months out of a 36-month period unless additional work-related requirements apply. Approved recipients will have a limited timeline to access benefits.
