What’s happening? 

Last year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), sponsored by the Trump administration, introduced major changes to the SNAP program. These changes include:

• Expanded work requirements
• Access restrictions for some immigrants
• Changes in how much money people can receive

SNAP participation has dropped since the enactment of OBBA in every state, with nationwide SNAP participation down by more than 3 million people. These decreases are expected to continue as each state begins to implement work requirements. Currently, the following states have implemented these changes:

1. Alaska
2. Texas
3. Colorado
4. Georgia
5. Hawaii
6. Nebraska
7. South Carolina
8. West Virginia
9. Illinois
10. Ohio

New Work Requirements

Many people between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will be required to work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month to keep their SNAP benefits.

To meet this requirement, a person may:

• Have paid or unpaid employment
• Participate in SNAP employment and training programs
• Perform volunteer work or community service
• Combine several of these activities.

Contact your local SNAP office to understand how these changes may affect you.

There are some exemptions: 

• Already working at least 30 hours a week (or earning wages at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours);
• Meeting work requirements for another program (TANF or unemployment compensation);
• Taking care of a child under six or an incapacitated person;
• Unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation;
• Participating regularly in an alcohol or drug treatment program;
• Studying in school or a training program at least half-time (but college students are subject to other eligibility rules).

Who else was impacted by SNAP changes?

Immigrants granted humanitarian protection will no longer be eligible for SNAP. This includes refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, certain victims of violence and torture, and other historically qualified statuses.

The only immigrants who will remain eligible for SNAP are:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in the US for at least 5 years (or are exempt from the 5-year wait period)
• Cuban and Haitian entrants
• Individuals lawfully residing in the US in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA).

See our webpage to learn what programs immigrants with different status are currently eligible for, but note that some of these changes have been blocked due to an injunction issued by the District Court in September 2025. 

What about WIC?

While there are no direct changes to WIC, changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF will impact families accessing WIC. Through adjunctive eligibility, families can access WIC without providing proof of income, as long as they are approved for SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF. 

When a family loses access to SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, they could also lose automatic eligibility for WIC. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are no longer eligible. Families can remain eligible and apply for WIC directly by submitting income documentation to determine if they continue to be eligible.

What can community organizations do?

Community-based organizations can play a key role in helping families affected by these changes. Some important actions include:

• Inform your community about the new requirements and deadlines.
• Identify who might qualify for exceptions.
• Organizations can create volunteer opportunities that help people meet job requirements.
• Guide families to communicate with their local SNAP office.
• Contact your local WIC office and see if you need to provide proof of income to keep your eligibility. 
• Connect community members to nearby food pantries.
• Reach out to local advocacy organizations to learn how your state can respond to these SNAP changes, and connect with your local state legislators to urge action. 

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