Starting September 1, 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will implement sweeping new eligibility requirements under the newly enacted One Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025.
These changes significantly expand work requirements for a broader group of participants and could lead to benefit cuts for millions of households.
Who Is Now Affected by SNAP Work Rules?
The updated SNAP requirements now apply to:
- Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) under 55 years old, who must complete 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) of work, training, education, or volunteering.
- Veterans and individuals aged 55–64, previously exempt, are now required to meet the same 20-hour threshold.
- Parents with children aged 7 or older, as the dependent age has been lowered from 18 to 7.
- Certain immigrant groups, including some refugees, face new restrictions.
Failure to meet these criteria limits benefit access to just three months within a three-year period.
New SNAP Exemptions
Several groups remain exempt from these added requirements:
- Individuals earning more than $217.50 per week (equivalent to 30 hours at the federal minimum wage).
- Pregnant women, caregivers of young children (<6) or disabled dependents.
- Persons with certified physical or mental disabilities.
- Participants in drug/alcohol treatment, homeless individuals, part-time students (with conditions), and former foster youth under 24.
- Veterans and foster youth may have pathways to exemption—but must manage documentation proactively.
- Surveys from DHS are being used to identify eligible exempt recipients.
SNAP Maximum Allotments Through September 2025
Benefit amounts remain unchanged until September 30, 2025. Here’s the standard table for maximum monthly SNAP allotments based on household size:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$220 |
These limits apply uniformly across the contiguous U.S. and D.C. through the end of September.
Why the Changes?
The reforms aim to:
- Impose work and training requirements for broader groups deemed capable of work.
- Shift administrative and financial responsibilities to states, which must now fund 50–75% of SNAP administration and payouts.
- Cut SNAP funding by an estimated $186 billion nationwide through 2034.
- Restrict future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which underpins SNAP benefit calculations.
The September 2025 SNAP rule changes mark one of the most transformative shifts in food assistance policy in decades. By expanding work and training requirements to new groups and tightening eligibility, millions of Americans could lose or see reductions in their benefits.
Households affected by these changes should consult local SNAP offices and use available employment and training resources to meet new requirements and retain access to vital nutritional support.
FAQs
Who must comply with the new SNAP rules starting September 2025?
ABAWDs under age 55 without dependents, veterans, those aged 55–64, and parents with children over age 7 must now complete 20 hours/week in qualifying activities.
What’s the risk of not meeting these requirements?
Non-compliance limits benefit access to three months over three years, significantly reducing food assistance for affected households.
Are any recipients exempt from the new rules?
Yes—those earning over $217.50/week, pregnant individuals, caregivers of young or disabled dependents, persons with disabilities, participants in treatment programs, homeless people, part-time students (under conditions), former foster youth, and some veterans may be exempt.
Where do I reapply for foodstamps