The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially announced a major shift in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting November 1, 2025, the agency will fully enforce federal work requirements that had been relaxed during the pandemic. This move is expected to significantly impact hundreds of thousands of low-income Americans.
After years of waivers and flexible enforcement, the USDA is reinstating time limits for a specific group known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have children and are not working, training, or volunteering for at least 80 hours per month.
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The USDA Is Changing SNAP Rules Now
These rules aren’t entirely new. They’re rooted in existing federal law (7 U.S.C. § 2015(o)), which limits SNAP eligibility for ABAWDs to three months of benefits in any 36 months unless they meet the required work or training threshold.
What’s changing is that the USDA will now fully enforce this rule nationwide after a gradual phase-in period under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). During the pandemic, states had temporary waivers in place, but those exemptions are now being reduced to under 12% of the total caseload.
Overview
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Work Hours | Minimum 80 hours per month (job, training, or volunteering) |
| Time Limit | 3 months of benefits within 36 months if not meeting the work rule |
| Age Range | 18–64 (no dependents) |
| Effective Date | November 1, 2025 |
| Exemptions | Medical issues, pregnancy, caregiving, veterans, homeless individuals |
Eligibility Criteria
The change affects Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—a population estimated between 700,000 and 900,000 people nationwide.
However, several groups are exempt from these new requirements, including:
- Individuals who are medically certified as unable to work
- Pregnant individuals
- Primary caregivers for dependents or disabled persons
- Veterans and homeless individuals
- Students in qualifying education or job training programs
While states can still use “discretionary exemptions,” the USDA has capped them at 12% of the ABAWD population in each state.
The Reasoning and the Criticism
The USDA emphasizes that this change is not a benefit cut but rather a return to compliance. Officials argue that reinstating work requirements promotes self-sufficiency and aligns food aid with employment opportunities.
Supporters claim the rule will encourage engagement in job training and reduce long-term dependence on government assistance.
However, critics, including the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), argue that the change could hurt vulnerable workers. Many ABAWDs already work part-time or in unstable “gig economy” jobs, making it hard to meet verification and documentation requirements.
“People may lose benefits not because they don’t want to work, but because they can’t meet the paperwork demands,” said Elaine Waters of CBPP.
In rural areas, where transportation and job availability are limited, meeting the 80-hour threshold could be particularly difficult.
How States Are Preparing
Because SNAP is administered at the state level, readiness varies widely across the country.
| State | Readiness Status (as of Oct. 2025) |
|---|---|
| California | Training ongoing; waiver requests pending |
| Florida | Ready for November 1 enforcement |
| Michigan | Staffing shortages may delay processing |
| Oregon | Partial rural exemptions; system testing underway |
| Pennsylvania | Implementation slowed due to funding issues |
Some states, such as Texas and Florida, have already upgraded their systems with automated work verification tools. Others, like Michigan and Oregon, are still adjusting and warning of potential delays.
Although SNAP benefits will continue during government funding lapses, administrative slowdowns may occur if the current budget impasse extends into mid-November.
What SNAP Recipients Should Know
If you’re an ABAWD currently receiving SNAP benefits, here’s what to expect:
- You’ll get advance notice before any benefits end.
- If you don’t meet the 80-hour requirement for three months in 36 months, benefits may stop.
- You can regain eligibility by resuming work, training, or qualifying for an exemption.
To stay compliant, recipients should:
- Enroll in an approved Employment & Training (E&T) program through their state SNAP office.
- Report work or volunteer hours monthly.
- Notify SNAP officials if health or caregiving responsibilities change.
What States Must Do
Under the USDA’s enforcement plan, all states must by November 1:
- Track and report monthly work compliance data
- Notify participants before terminating benefits
- Submit quarterly reports on ABAWD participation and exemptions
States that fail to meet these federal standards may face Quality Control (QC) penalties or corrective action orders.
Accountability vs. Access
The USDA says the goal is to modernize the SNAP program while keeping it fair and accessible. However, achieving that balance will depend heavily on how states implement these rules.
Urban areas with robust job networks may adapt quickly, while rural states could struggle due to fewer employers and limited broadband access.
As one senior USDA adviser said privately:
“We don’t want to take food away—we want to connect it to opportunity.”
The next few months will show whether this approach strengthens the system or creates new hurdles for those in need.
FAQs
When do the new SNAP work rules take effect?
They begin on November 1, 2025, nationwide.
Who must meet the 80-hour work requirement?
Able-bodied adults aged 18–64 without dependents.
Are there exemptions to the rule?
Yes—medical conditions, caregiving, pregnancy, veterans, and homelessness qualify.
