Summary
New rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) mean that many Americans might lose food assistance benefits. The changes, part of a new law, tighten work requirements for some adults. States have until November 1 to adopt these changes, which impact an existing section of the SNAP program.
Key Facts
- SNAP helps about 42 million people in the U.S. buy groceries.
- A new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has stricter rules for adults without disabilities or dependents, requiring them to work or job search for 80 hours a month.
- Adults who don't meet these requirements may only get benefits for three months every three years unless they qualify for exceptions.
- California could see 368,000 people lose SNAP benefits, the highest projected number among states.
- New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois also have high numbers of people who could lose benefits.
- States can ask for waivers if their areas have high unemployment or other economic issues.
- A significant number of people across several other states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania might also lose benefits.
- New Mexico has a high percentage of its population on SNAP, with 21% at risk of losing benefits.
