SNAP Benefits Resume, but Expanded Work Rules Threaten Millions of Recipients

Food stamp (SNAP) payments that were delayed by the recent government shutdown have resumed, but a major expansion of work requirements could cause a large number of recipients to lose benefits in coming months.

What changed

A Republican spending package signed into law this summer broadened SNAP work requirements. Under the new rules, more participants must work, volunteer or enroll in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Those who do not meet the requirement may receive benefits for only three months in any three-year period.

Who is affected

The policy expands the pool of people subject to work mandates beyond the prior group (previously applied mainly to beneficiaries about ages 18–49 without disabilities or dependent children). It now covers people up to age 64 and adds parents of children ages 14–17. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth are also included in the requirement.

Projected impact

A Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates the change will reduce SNAP participation by about 2.4 million people on average in a typical month over the next decade, including roughly 300,000 families with children.

Timing and state implementation

The timing for benefit reductions will vary by state and by each recipient's recertification date. Many analysts expect losses could begin in early months of next year, though some states may not begin enforcement until later because of system readiness or pending federal guidance.

"Overall, roughly double the number of SNAP recipients will be subject to the mandate," said Lauren Bauer, a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution.

Waivers, legal actions and federal guidance

States can no longer seek waivers as broadly during economic downturns; waivers are now limited to areas with unemployment rates above 10 percent. A federal judge in Rhode Island has temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from terminating already-issued waivers before they expire. USDA officials say they are approving waivers on a case-by-case basis under current law.

State examples and operational challenges

Officials and advocates report a chaotic rollout that has been worsened by shutdown-related disruptions. Chloe Green, assistant director of policy at the American Public Human Services Association, said the agency has not yet issued full, clarifying guidance about the court decision in Rhode Island. She and other advocates warn that recipients must be notified and screened for exemptions so people with disabilities or other qualifying circumstances are not incorrectly assigned the work mandate.

Connecticut officials called implementation "very challenging." Dan Giacomi, director of program oversight and grants administration at Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, estimated roughly 36,000 residents—about 10% of the state's SNAP caseload—could be at risk. Connecticut is using temporary workarounds, including manual caseworker inputs, while updating eligibility systems and worrying about potential payment errors.

Pennsylvania faced an earlier deadline after many local waivers expired in September. The state reached out to affected recipients and is using multiple verification tools—state and federal data and a pilot third-party payroll platform—to confirm work status, though pay stubs may still be required. Pennsylvania estimates the number of SNAP recipients newly subject to the rules grew from under 25,000 to nearly 248,000, and projects that about 144,000 people could lose benefits over the next year as they renew eligibility.

Risks for recipients and states

Advocates warn that rushed system changes and confusing notices could lead to eligible people losing benefits because they miss administrative steps. States are also sensitive to errors: the new law increases states' share of administrative costs if they have high error rates, creating pressure to avoid payment mistakes while rapidly changing technology and procedures.

"A lot of people who are calling in are worried that now they’re being assigned work requirements without them even knowing," Green said. "That should not happen."

What recipients should do

If you receive SNAP benefits and think you might be affected: check your state agency’s website, respond promptly to any notices, attend required interviews, and provide documentation of work, income, disability, caregiving or other circumstances that might exempt you. Many states are sending texts, mailers and launching online screeners and videos to explain next steps.

State officials urge patience as systems are updated and say they will continue outreach to help recipients understand the new requirements.

Key sources and voices quoted in this article: Lauren Bauer, Chloe Green, Dan Giacomi, Ed Bolen, and Hoa Pham.