New SNAP rules take effect Oct. 1, raising fears of more benefit cuts
Summary
New federal rules for the food stamp program (SNAP) now require people aged 18 to 64 to work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to receive benefits. These rules, signed into law by President Donald Trump, have caused many people to lose benefits and put financial pressure on states that run SNAP.Key Facts
- SNAP work requirements now apply to people up to age 64, extending from the previous cutoff at age 54.
- About 5.7 million people have lost SNAP benefits since the new law, called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was signed on July 4, 2025.
- States will have to pay more of the program’s administrative costs starting October 1, increasing from 50% to 75%.
- From October 2027, states with high error rates in SNAP payments might pay up to 15% of benefits, which the federal government used to cover.
- Error rates can come from mistakes like misspelled names or wrong addresses, not just fraud.
- The decline in SNAP enrollment is linked to tougher work rules and new state costs.
- Some states, like Alabama, face big financial challenges and may consider ending the SNAP program if costs get too high.
- Experts warn the changes are causing confusion and delays in SNAP offices, which hurts people who rely on food assistance.
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