New work requirements tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are now taking effect in several states, placing food benefits at risk for hundreds of thousands of recipients. As of February 1, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio began enforcing stricter standards that require certain adults to document work activity in order to continue receiving assistance.
Policy analysts at KFF indicate that up to 43 states are expected to implement similar rules, suggesting the changes underway in these three states may reflect a broader national shift. At the same time, a partial federal government shutdown has prompted questions about the stability of food assistance programs. While funding remains in place for now, eligibility rules are tightening.
States
Illinois, Texas, and Ohio are the first to implement the updated standards this month. The changes focus primarily on SNAP recipients who are considered able to work.
SNAP provides monthly assistance to low-income households to purchase food. For many families, it supplements limited wages and helps stabilize household budgets. When eligibility requirements shift, recipients can face immediate consequences.
State agencies are now reviewing cases more closely to determine whether recipients meet the new federal standards.
Requirement
Under the updated rules, affected recipients must work at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, to maintain eligibility.
Qualifying activities include:
- Paid employment
- Unpaid work
- Volunteer service
- SNAP Employment and Training programs
- State workforce commission programs
- Activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
However, hours must be documented and verified. In Texas, for example, recipients must log and submit proof of hours to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Failure to meet or report the required hours can result in benefit termination.
The table below outlines the new threshold:
| Standard | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Weekly Work | 20 hours |
| Monthly Work | 80 hours |
| Reporting | Required documentation |
| Eligible Activities | Jobs, training, volunteer work |
The requirement is uniform in structure but may be administered differently across states.
ABAWD
The primary group affected is known as able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs. This group includes adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have children in their care and are considered physically able to work.
Previously, the upper age limit for these work requirements was 54. Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law under President Donald Trump, the age range expanded to include adults up to age 64.
For ABAWDs, the rule includes a strict time limit. Individuals who do not meet the 80-hour monthly threshold may only receive SNAP for three months within a three-year period. After that, benefits stop unless work requirements are met.
For older adults approaching retirement age, maintaining consistent employment may present additional challenges, particularly in areas with limited job opportunities.
Exemptions
Exemptions from work requirements still exist, but they have narrowed.
Under the updated law:
- Only parents or household members caring for a child under age 14 are exempt.
- Veterans, unhoused individuals, and young adults aging out of foster care are now subject to work requirements in many cases.
Previously, broader exemptions applied to some of these groups. The revised policy brings more individuals into the reporting system.
The following comparison illustrates the shift:
| Category | Prior Treatment | Current Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Parents with teens | Often exempt | Must meet work rule |
| Adults up to 54 | Covered | Expanded to 64 |
| Veterans | Often exempt | May be required to comply |
| Foster youth aging out | Exempt in some cases | May need 80 hours |
While the law includes specific exemptions for Native Americans, Indigenous Peoples, Alaska Natives, and Tribal Members, the overall effect is a broader application of work requirements.
Shutdown
The implementation of the new rules coincided with a partial federal government shutdown at the end of January. Despite concerns, SNAP funding remains authorized through September 30, 2026.
Congress has passed several funding measures that keep key federal agencies operating. As of now, SNAP benefits are expected to be issued on their normal schedule.
The immediate concern for many households is not funding availability, but whether they continue to qualify under the revised rules.
Immigration
Another significant policy change affects non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States.
Under the updated law, certain legally present non-citizens classified as aliens under federal law are no longer eligible for SNAP. This includes some refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and individuals with conditional legal status.
These changes may affect households that previously qualified and had been participating in the program for years. Community organizations have reported increased uncertainty among immigrant families regarding eligibility.
Outlook
The changes introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” represent one of the most substantial adjustments to SNAP work requirements in recent years. With up to 43 states expected to enforce similar rules, the experience in Illinois, Texas, and Ohio may serve as an early indicator of broader impacts.
For recipients, the central issue is compliance. Those who meet and document 80 hours of qualifying activity per month can retain benefits. Those who cannot may face time limits or termination.
SNAP funding remains active through September, but eligibility standards are tightening. Households affected by the changes are encouraged to review state guidance, confirm reporting procedures, and monitor deadlines carefully.
FAQs
What is the new SNAP work rule?
80 hours of work per month required.
Who is most affected?
ABAWDs aged 18 to 64.
Do parents qualify for exemption?
Only with a child under 14.
Is SNAP funded during shutdown?
Yes, through Sept. 30, 2026.
