Millions of Americans will feel new SNAP work rules starting late 2025 and into 2026. These rules come from new federal changes and updated guidance from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Many states are now warning families to prepare. Officials say the rules will be stricter than anything seen in years.
The biggest change is the new age limit. Before, adults ages 18 to 54 had to follow work rules if they had no dependents. But now the limit rises to age 64. This means able-bodied adults age 18 to 64 without dependents must work, volunteer, or take job training to keep benefits. If they do not meet the rule for three months, they lose SNAP.
States like Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana have already started sending notices. These states say they are following USDA updates and are preparing their case systems for the 2026 rollout. Many people who have never been asked to follow work rules before will now face new steps to stay eligible.
Parents will also feel the change. Before, a parent was exempt if they had a child under 18. Now the cutoff drops to under age 14. This means parents of kids age 14 to 17 must meet work rules unless they qualify for another exemption. This shift affects hundreds of thousands of families in the USDA and CBO estimates.
To meet the rule, most adults must show they work, volunteer, or attend approved training for 20 hours each week, or 80 hours each month. States must track these hours. The USDA says each state must collect reports often so people do not fall out of compliance. If a person loses benefits, they must meet the rule again for at least one month before reapplying.
Some groups stay exempt. People under 18, people 65 or older, pregnant people, students, and those with verified physical or mental limits are still protected. Caregivers of children under 14 also remain exempt. But many former exemptions will disappear in 2026. Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth ages 18–24 will lose exemption status. These groups must follow work rules for the first time.
The cost burden on states will also rise. Under the new law, states will have to cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs and a share of actual benefit costs based on payment error rates. Policy groups say this shift could more than double the cost for state budgets. Some states, like Texas, have already pulled back on extra food programs in response.
Food choices will also change. At least twelve states plan to ban certain “junk food” items from SNAP purchases by mid-2026. These include candy, sweetened drinks, energy drinks, and some processed snacks. USDA waiver requests are still being reviewed, and more states may join.
Even with new limits, USDA says SNAP benefit amounts will rise in 2026 due to the cost-of-living update. A family of four will receive about $994 per month, up from $939. But many families say the higher amount does not ease the fear of losing eligibility.
Federal estimates show 2.4 to 3 million people could lose SNAP in an average month once the rules take full effect. This includes older adults ages 55–64, parents of teens, and people who were once exempt. Many households say they feel scared and confused as they wait for final state instructions.
Officials urge all SNAP recipients to watch for letters, emails, and text alerts from their state agencies. Many people will need to start work activities or report hours to stay eligible in 2026.
