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Millions at Risk of Losing SNAP Benefits in 2025: Here’s what you must do now

Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits face new challenges in 2025 due to stricter federal rules. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” has introduced tough work and training requirements that could cut off food assistance for many if they fail to comply. These changes began in September and will expand further in November, making it crucial for recipients to stay informed and act quickly.Starting September 1, 2025, adults aged 18 to 54 who do not have children must meet minimum work or job training hours to keep their SNAP benefits. If they don’t comply or fail to prove an exemption, they face a harsh limit: only three months of benefits within a three-year timeframe. From November 1, these rules widen to include adults up to age 65 without dependents under 14.In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania alone, about 13,500 people risk losing benefits if they don’t comply. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of SNAP recipients are likely affected. Live EventsExceptions exist for pregnant individuals, those with medical or mental health issues, caregivers, and people on unemployment benefits—but only if proper documentation is submitted.New SNAP rules 2025: who’s affected and what’s changing Starting September 1, 2025, adults aged 18 to 54 without children must complete a minimum number of work or training hours each month to remain eligible for SNAP. By November 1, the age threshold rises to 65 for those with no dependents under age 14. Failure to meet these requirements—or to demonstrate a valid exemption—will limit recipients to just three months of benefits within a three-year period. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, local officials estimate nearly 13,500 residents could lose SNAP if they do not act. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of recipients may face similar cuts. Exemptions are still in place for: Pregnant individuals Those with medical or mental health conditions Caregivers of family members Unemployment benefit recipients Even eligible individuals risk losing benefits if documentation is missing or deadlines are missed. How to stay eligible under the new rules Consumer advocates warn that many SNAP losses will result not from ineligibility, but from paperwork mistakes or missed deadlines. To maintain benefits: Complete your SNAP screening application online through your state’s human services agency. Document your compliance with employment, training, or approved exemptions. This may include work records, volunteer logs, or medical notes. Submit paperwork on time via mail, fax, online portal, or in-person delivery. Seek assistance from county offices or nonprofit organizations to navigate the process. Failing to follow up promptly could mean being locked out of food assistance until 2028, highlighting the urgency of acting now.What new work rules do you need to follow? The biggest shift in 2025 is the expansion of work requirements. Able-bodied adults without dependents, often called ABAWDs, will be required to work, volunteer, or take part in an approved training or education program. The threshold is 20 hours each week or 80 hours per month. But this isn’t limited to younger adults anymore. Under the new law: Adults up to age 64 can be required to participate. Some parents, particularly those with older children, may also be included. Veterans and other groups previously excluded could now face these rules. Failure to meet the work standard has serious consequences. Benefits could be restricted to just three months within a three-year period, unless the recipient regains compliance or qualifies for an exemption. What happens if you miss the requirements? The penalties for not meeting the new rules are steep. If someone who is subject to the work requirement does not comply, they may only receive SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period. After that, benefits stop until the person meets the requirements again. This means staying organized is essential. Keep track of work hours, volunteer logs, or training attendance. Save pay stubs and official letters. And always update your contact information with your local SNAP office to avoid missing notices. Will your benefits change in amount? In addition to eligibility changes, the way SNAP calculates benefits is shifting. Past adjustments, such as the 2021 update to the Thrifty Food Plan, raised benefits above inflation. Going forward, increases will be tied strictly to inflation, with new caps in place. That means benefits may grow more slowly in the future, even as food prices rise faster. For households already struggling with high grocery bills, this could tighten budgets further. It may also put more pressure on food banks and community programs that fill the gap when SNAP doesn’t stretch far enough. How will states handle these new responsibilities? The new law doesn’t just affect recipients. States and counties will take on more of the cost and administrative burden of running SNAP. This could create differences in how smoothly the program runs across the country. Some states may streamline processes and invest in support programs, while others could face delays, staff shortages, or stricter enforcement. For recipients, this means it’s crucial to stay in touch with local offices, understand deadlines, and ask for help when needed. Support may vary, but staying proactive is the best way to avoid disruptions.FAQs: Q1: Who must meet the new SNAP work requirements in 2025? Able-bodied adults without dependents, some parents, and certain veterans must work, volunteer, or attend training at least 20 hours per week. Q2: Can anyone be exempt from these new rules? Yes. Exemptions apply to pregnant women, caregivers, people with medical conditions, and those in approved programs.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onhow to keep snap benefitsSNAP 2025 Rules Keep Benefits Safesnap benefits 2025snap eligibility changessnap work requirementsone big beautiful bill actfood assistance programsnap exemptionssnap rules updatesnap support guide(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless