Key Takeaways
HR-1 or “OBBB” has added challenges to applying for SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. Learn about new eligibility requirements below.
SNAP is still here. mRelief’s eligibility screener can help families find out if they are eligible under the new rules.
mRelief and community organizations across the country will continue to connect people to SNAP and other food resources
You can take action to protect access to SNAP: Urge your representatives to repeal the cuts with this letter from FRAC.
Introduction
On July 4, 2025, HR-1 or the OBBB was signed into law, initiating dramatic changes to America's social safety net. These changes are expected to have far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans. Many changes go into affect November 1st, 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of how these new policies may affect you and your SNAP benefits:
Expansion of ABAWD Work Requirements
The bill expands work requirements and time limits for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) to the following groups:
Adults between 55 and 64: The age range for ABAWD work requirements increased to 64 from 54. This means every able-bodied adult in the age range of 18-64 will now have to meet work requirements.
Parents with children between 14 and 18: Parents whose youngest dependent is 14 or older, who lives in the household, will now need to meet work requirements. (The age was 18).
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth ages 18-24: Exemptions for these groups will expire, so they will need to meet work requirements.
People in areas with high unemployment: Work requirements will now only be waived in areas where unemployment is more than 10 percent.
Who is still exempt from work requirements?
Those who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
Those who are pregnant, or have dependents under 14
Many Native Americans may be exempt from the ABAWD work requirements according to new rules
Those who live in an area with unemployment rates higher than 10%
What are the work requirements?
Hours: Work or participate in a qualifying program for at least 80 hours a month (approximately 20 hours per week).
Activity: This can include paid work, volunteer work, or participation in state-approved employment or training programs.
Reduced Eligibility for Non-Citizens
The legislation significantly reduces eligibility for non-citizens.
Documented immigrants previously recognized as "qualified" for federal benefits will no longer qualify under the new law. This includes:
Refugees
Asylees
Survivors of human trafficking
Only Lawful Permanent Residents, certain Cuban or Haitian entrants, or citizens of Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations will remain eligible.
Limits to Increasing "Thrifty Food Plan" Funding
The new bill prohibits increasing funding for the Thrifty Food Plan. This means that benefit levels cannot be increased beyond their current cost, without accounting for inflation or a rise in the cost of food.
What does this mean for my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients will likely see a reduction in their benefit amount year over year. This includes a projected $15 reduction in benefits for all SNAP recipients by 2034. Summer EBT and other hunger relief programs are also likely to see reductions in benefit amounts.
Note: Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) has introduced the “Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025” to challenge this specific proposed change. You can track its progress on the Food Research and Action Center website and see if your congressperson is cosponsoring it here!
Increased State Financial Responsibility for SNAP Administration
For the first time, states will be required to pay a portion of SNAP benefit costs based on payment error rates exceeding 6%. The bill also increases state responsibility for administrative costs, from 50% to 75%.
What does this mean for my SNAP benefits?
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects states collectively to reduce or eliminate benefits for about 1.3 million people in an average month over the 2025-2034 period, and subsidies for child nutrition programs would decrease for about 420,000 children.
Elimination of SNAP-Ed Funding
Federal funding for SNAP-Ed will be eliminated. This program provided education on how to shop for and prepare healthy meals on a budget.
What does this mean for my SNAP benefits?
If you participated in any SNAP-Ed, such as cooking or nutrition classes through a local food bank or agricultural extension, these will no longer be offered.
What can I do?
Urge your representatives to repeal these cuts to SNAP. It takes just one click and less than one minute with this link below!
Remember, SNAP is still here. We will continue to support families, our partners, and states to make SNAP as accessible and attainable as possible. You can still apply for SNAP!
Have questions about the new eligibility rules? Contact your state or local office here:
If you are searching for more resources in the meantime, please check out our list of resources below, or visit www.findhelp.org or www.211.org for more local resources near you.
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