The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 is bringing the biggest changes to food stamps (SNAP) in many years. Millions of people who use SNAP will see new rules that make it harder to stay on the program. These new rules focus on work requirements and cutting back exemptions that many families used before.
Starting September 1, 2025, people called ABAWDs (able-bodied adults without dependents) who are between 18 and 54 years old must now work or do activities at least 80 hours each month (20 hours per week) to keep their SNAP benefits.
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These activities can include:
- Working for pay, goods, or services
- Volunteering or unpaid work
- Joining a SNAP Employment and Training program
- Taking part in state, local, or federal work programs
- Mixing work and training to reach the 80 hours
On November 1, 2025, the rules get even stricter. The work age limit goes up to 65 years old. That means adults up to age 65 must follow the new rules if they do not have children younger than 14 years old.
This also means some groups that used to be safe are no longer safe. People losing their exemptions include:
- Adults aged 55–65 who were once too old for work rules
- Parents with kids 14–17 years old (they lose the parent exemption)
- Veterans, who lose their veteran exemption
- Former foster youth aged 18–24
The bill also makes it harder for states to give waivers. Before, states could waive work rules if there were not enough jobs. Now, waivers only apply if the area has 10% unemployment or higher. Even then, states like Alaska and Hawaii face special limits. Exemptions for veterans, homeless people, and foster youth are gone.
Another big change is verification. States must check work hours or exemptions every month. That means more paperwork for families and a heavier load for state workers. If people do not report their hours or exemptions, they can lose their SNAP benefits quickly.
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Experts say this will be the largest cut in SNAP access in history. The Congressional Budget Office says the rules will save the government money but will also cause millions of people to lose food help. Families, veterans, and older adults may be hit the hardest.
These changes matter for everyone who depends on SNAP to buy food, groceries, and daily meals. People are now worried about how to meet these new rules and if they can keep food on the table.
