Starting November 1, major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will take effect — putting benefits at risk for millions of Americans.
The changes are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed earlier this year, and include new work requirements, fewer exceptions, and a tighter eligibility structure. States were given until Nov. 1 to fully implement the changes. That deadline is here.
Key changes to SNAP in November
- Expanded work requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) now must work at least 80 hours per month, be enrolled in a training program, or be in school to continue receiving benefits. This requirement used to apply only to people ages 18–54, but now covers adults up to age 65.
- Fewer exemptions: Groups that previously qualified for exemptions — such as veterans, unhoused individuals, and young adults aging out of foster care — must now meet work requirements. Parents also face tighter rules: Only those responsible for a child under age 14 will be exempt (previously, it was under age 18).
- Immigration-related cuts: Some non-citizens who were previously eligible for food assistance — like refugees, asylees, and human trafficking survivors — may now lose access, depending on how states interpret and apply new federal guidance.
- Waiver changes: States can no longer easily waive work requirements in areas with struggling job markets unless the local unemployment rate exceeds 10% — a threshold rarely met even during recessions.
- SNAP now costs states more: Under the new law, states with high error rates in SNAP payments will be required to cover a percentage of the benefit costs themselves—up to 15% by 2028. This cost shift could lead some states to cut enrollment or reduce benefits.
Who could lose benefits?
According to the Congressional Budget Office, these changes will lead to 2.4 million people losing SNAP on average each month over the next decade. That includes:
- Adults aged 55–64 with no dependents
- Parents with children aged 14–17
- Formerly exempt veterans and unhoused individuals
- Non-citizens affected by new eligibility rules
- Anyone who fails to meet stricter work documentation requirements
What to do if you’re on SNAP
SNAP recipients should immediately:
- Report work hours or training participation to their local Department of Social Services
- Request exemptions, if eligible (e.g., medical reasons, caring for a young child)
- Update contact information so you don’t miss important notices about your benefits
- Check your state’s SNAP website for specific changes in eligibility and reporting requirements
Why it matters
SNAP has long acted as a “safety net” during tough economic times. But critics say the One Big Beautiful Bill weakens the program’s ability to respond to job loss or recession.
Advocates warn that more people could go hungry—especially in low-income or rural areas with limited job opportunities.
“We’ve turned SNAP into a work program, not a food program,” one policy expert told FingerLakes1.com. “The consequences will ripple across families and communities.”
Bottom line
If you receive SNAP benefits, November is a critical month. Failing to meet the new requirements could result in losing food assistance by the end of the year.
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