The nutrition assistance program provided by the US government, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp program), has undergone significant changes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed by the Trump administration on July 4th. While these changes took effect immediately upon the enactment of the bill, the Food and Nutrition Service agency under the US Department of Agriculture gave states 120 days to make adjustments, with full implementation scheduled for November 1st. This program provides food assistance to over 42 million people.
One major change in the new law is the work requirement. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) who are physically healthy must demonstrate working at least 80 hours per month, or be engaged in education or training to qualify for SNAP benefits. Failure to provide proof may result in receiving benefits for a maximum of only three months.
Previously, this requirement applied only to adults aged 18 to 54. With the modification, now all able-bodied adults under 65 must demonstrate employment to continue receiving benefits.
Parents caring for dependents under 14 were previously exempt from the work requirement. However, under the new law, adults caring for dependents under 14 must meet this requirement to qualify for the exemption.
Veterans, homeless individuals, and young people transitioning from foster care, who were previously exempt from work requirements, now need to fulfill these requirements to receive assistance for more than three months.
In areas with limited job opportunities, the work requirements for ABAWDs may be waived under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Eligibility for exemptions is determined based on areas with unemployment rates exceeding 10%, with slightly different provisions in Alaska and Hawaii.
Furthermore, the new law alters the eligibility criteria for noncitizens, including certain legally residing groups in the US. Some states have explicitly stated that refugees, individuals granted asylum, and survivors of human trafficking will lose this benefit.
The law restricts the calculation method for annual cost of living adjustments, changes the method for calculating water and electricity costs based on household needs, and terminates funding for nutrition education and obesity prevention grant programs.
Another highlight of the new law is the requirement for states to bear more of the administrative costs of SNAP. Previously, states covered half of these costs, but starting from the 2027 fiscal year, states will bear 75% of the administrative expenses. Some states will begin sharing food benefits costs from the 2028 fiscal year.
According to the legislation, the federal government will only fully fund SNAP benefits for states with an error rate below 6%. Last year, nearly 11% of SNAP benefits nationwide contained errors.
Starting in 2028, states with error rates exceeding 6% will have to cover 5% to 15% of SNAP benefits. States with higher error rates typically incur higher costs, but a Senate amendment delays the cost-sharing for states with the highest error rates until 2030.
Due to the cost shift, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that some states will reduce or eliminate SNAP benefits.
(Adapted with reference to coverage from The Hill)