New SNAP work requirement changes take effect Feb. 1, millions could lose benefits New SNAP changes take effect Feb. 1, millions could lose benefits

New requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programme (SNAP) went into effect on February 1, 2026, altering work requirements for recipients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously shared training and support services on social media to assist those potentially affected by the changes.

Changes to SNAP Work Requirements

According to Secretary Brooke Rollins, SNAP benefits are not intended as a long-term solution. As of an unspecified date prior to February 2, 2026, 1.75 million people had been moved off of SNAP benefits. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 raised the age for work requirements from 54 to 64.

Did You Know? Able-bodied adults without dependents are now required to prove work status, with exemptions available for American Indians.

Able-bodied adults are now required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that these provisions will reduce SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people between 2025 and 2034.

Who Will Be Affected?

The CBO projects that roughly 800,000 of those affected will be able-bodied adults aged 64 and under without dependent children. Approximately 300,000 will be able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who live with children aged 14 or older.

An additional 1 million able-bodied adults, aged 18 to 54 (or 18 to 49 beginning in 2031), without dependents, may also be affected. These individuals previously would have been eligible for waivers from work requirements.

Expert Insight: These changes represent a significant shift in SNAP eligibility, potentially impacting a substantial number of individuals and families. The increased work requirements and age limits reflect a policy focus on encouraging self-sufficiency and reducing long-term reliance on assistance programs.

The CBO anticipates a net decline of about 300,000 SNAP participants among veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults formerly in foster care, though this may be partially offset by increased participation among American Indians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 raised the age for SNAP work requirements from 54 to 64.

How many people has the USDA moved off of SNAP?

As of an unspecified date prior to February 2, 2026, Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that 1.75 million people had been moved off of SNAP.

What are the work requirements for able-bodied adults?

Able-bodied adults without dependents are required to work or volunteer 80 hours a month.

How might these changes affect access to food assistance in the coming years?