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Millions of Americans count on SNAP to afford groceries and lower their financial stress, but a massive federal overhaul that took effect Nov. 1 changes who qualifies.
The changes directly affect a group known as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) and come alongside recent news that SNAP benefits will not be issued on Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown.
Here's what the new rules do, who's most likely to lose benefits, and what you can do to keep eligibility and stay prepared.
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How do SNAP benefits work, and how many people rely on them?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps roughly 42 million people buy groceries each month.
In California alone, CalFresh supports over 5 million residents. The program keeps families fed while boosting local economies. Additionally, according to the California Budget & Policy Center, every SNAP dollar spent generates roughly $1.50 in economic activity for grocery stores and small local businesses.
If you rely on this assistance, you already know every cent matters. The upcoming changes deserve your full attention.
New work requirements mean fewer could be eligible
The biggest shift targets able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law in July, anyone aged 18 to 64 must now show proof that they are either:
- Working at least 80 hours a month
- Enrolled in school, training, or a work program.
If you cannot verify such activity, you'll be limited to three months of SNAP benefits over the course of any 36-month period.
Previously, these rules applied only to adults aged 18 to 54. The new law raises the ceiling to 65, meaning anyone under has to meet these work requirements or risk being cut off.
Expect fewer exceptions and new groups losing eligibility
Previously, parents caring for children under 18 were exempt from work rules. Now, that protection only extends to adults responsible for kids under 14.
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults aged 24 or younger aging out of foster care have also lost their automatic exemptions. They must now meet the same 80-hour requirement as everyone else unless they meet another exception.
One new exception was added: Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and other Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Members are specifically exempt under the law's language.
States were given 120 days to implement these rules after the law passed in July. That grace period ended Nov. 1, 2025.
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Why are these changes happening now?
The One Big Beautiful Bill was packaged as a way to limit fraud or abuse and curb federal spending. The Congressional Budget Office projects it will cut about $186 billion from SNAP over the next decade.
States had to comply starting in November in alignment with the federal deadline to end the transition period, but if Congress fails to pass a budget on time, states warn that benefits could be delayed. As of this writing, the USDA has announced that no benefits will go out on Nov. 1.
Is there a way to avoid the work requirement?
There is a narrow path to avoid the 80-hour requirement. The law allows waivers in areas where unemployment exceeds 10% or does not have a sufficient number of jobs, although slightly lower thresholds apply to Alaska and Hawaii.
That means only a small number of counties or rural regions will qualify. Except for a short period at the tail end of Covid-19, America has not seen unemployment rates that high since the Great Recession of 2009.
Thus, very few people will qualify for the high-unemployment-rate exemption, and the new rules will stick. Program recipients should check with their state SNAP office to see whether a local waiver might apply to them.
Expect cuts beyond eligibility rules
The bill goes further than work requirements. Many other provisions will change how benefits are calculated and how states fund the program:
- The OBBBA requires that the next reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan be no earlier than Oct. 1, 2027, which will diminish the purchasing power of SNAP benefits.
- Utility deductions (which are used to calculate household need) will be tightened, thus shrinking benefit amounts for many families.
- SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grants were eliminated, ending programs that taught millions how to stretch their food budget and cook healthy meals.
- Starting in 2027, states must cover 75% of administrative costs (once a 50-50 split). Starting in 2028, states with payment error rates higher than 8% must shoulder a portion of the food benefit costs themselves, in some cases as much as 15 %.
These changes could lead some states to scale back benefits or tighten eligibility even further, yet to offer new, future expenses.
Immigrant eligibility is also shifting
The law also limits SNAP for some non-citizens. Refugees, asylees, and human-trafficking survivors previously eligible for benefits will lose access once the new rules are fully implemented, according to Oregon's Department of Human Services.
States are already bracing for complicated eligibility questions and federal oversight delays.
Plan ahead if you might lose SNAP benefits
If you're uncertain about your status, do not wait for a notice in the mail. Call your local SNAP office now to ask how the November rules apply to you.
- Ask if you qualify for any work, training, or volunteer program that can keep your eligibility intact.
- Verify if your area has requested a waiver or is offering temporary relief during the rollout.
- Tighten your food budget now in case benefits are cut or delayed. You can find smart ways to save money on groceries and discover savvy shopping hacks that help stretch your budget even if SNAP funds dip temporarily.
Bottom line
As of Nov. 1, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill will reshape SNAP as we know it. Tougher work rules, fewer exemptions, and an increase in state costs all mean that millions of Americans could see their benefits reduced or even lost, which makes it even harder to tackle high grocery costs.
If you depend on SNAP, be proactive. Confirm your eligibility, explore job or training options, and seek local food resources if needed.
Even if you stay eligible, remember that any future cuts could affect how much you receive, so plan ahead, budget carefully, and use every tool available to make your food dollars go further.
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