The SNAP 2025 changes could directly affect your monthly benefits, eligibility status, and work requirements. Whether you’re currently receiving SNAP or planning to apply, understanding these updates is crucial to protect and maximize your benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming and how to prepare.
1. What Changes Are Coming to SNAP in 2025?
In 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is rolling out two significant policy changes that could reshape how millions of Americans receive food assistance:
- Technical adjustments based on inflation (COLA).
- Policy reforms that could significantly impact both eligibility requirements and monthly benefit amounts.
Regarding the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), starting October 1, 2024, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced updated COLA standards for Fiscal Year 2025.
This means that both the maximum monthly benefit amounts and income eligibility thresholds have been slightly increased based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The purpose of this adjustment is to ensure that SNAP benefits maintain their real purchasing power as food prices continue to rise.
These updated figures now serve as the national baseline for FY2025 and act as a reference point for states when determining household benefit levels.
In addition, the “One Big Beautiful Bill SNAP changes” introduce stricter rules and expanded work requirements:
- Adults aged 18 to 64 are now required to work, study, or participate in approved community service activities for at least 80 hours per month, which equals roughly 20 hours per week.
- The law also narrows eligibility exemptions, affecting groups that were previously excluded from work rules, such as parents with children over age 7, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who have aged out of foster care.
- Those who fail to meet these requirements or cannot provide sufficient documentation may now only receive a maximum of three months of SNAP benefits within any 36-month period before their assistance is suspended.
Furthermore, although SNAP benefits continue to be federally funded, the new law requires state governments to share part of the administrative costs or contribute funds to correct benefit calculation errors.
This could place additional pressure on states, potentially leading to stricter application processes, more frequent eligibility reviews, and shorter recertification periods in order to manage resources more effectively.
Therefore, under the SNAP 2025 changes, two households with the same income and family size may receive different benefit amounts or approval durations, depending on how each state implements these new policies.
2. What Are the Changes to SNAP Benefits?
Starting in spring 2025, several phased updates are set to reshape SNAP rules, with a major milestone arriving in May 2025.
As part of the SNAP benefit changes May 2025, many discretionary exemptions for ABAWDs (able-bodied adults without dependents) expired by the end of May, forcing states that did not extend waivers to reinstate time limits and track monthly work hours for affected participants.
For example, Pennsylvania SNAP Changes, allowed ABAWD waivers to remain active through May 31, 2025.
Starting June 1, 2025, Pennsylvania resumed enforcing federal work and reporting requirements, issued updated guidance, and launched an online assistance portal to help recipients comply.
Households impacted by these rule changes must now report at least 80 hours per month of employment, education, training, or volunteering. Failure to meet these requirements results in a three-month time limit within any 36-month period.
>>> Read more: SNAP Restrictions – Everything You Need to Know About Limits & Eligibility
3. FAQs: What You Might Concern Regarding New SNAP Rules?
Who is most at risk under the new SNAP rules?
The groups most likely to lose benefits under the updated SNAP rules include:
- Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), typically ages 18 to 64
- Parents whose youngest child now meets the new dependent-age threshold
- Individuals without proper documentation proving a qualifying disability
- Veterans, youths transitioning out of foster care, and certain individuals experiencing homelessness
The law also tightens eligibility for certain immigrant groups. Recipients in these categories must prove they meet monthly work, training, or volunteer requirements, or they could face the ABAWD time limit.
If I lose SNAP, will my kids lose it too?
- Not necessarily. If an adult in the household becomes ineligible, states can remove only the ineligible adult while keeping eligible household members, including children, on the case.
- The household’s benefit amount will then be recalculated with fewer members and may decrease accordingly.
That said, complete household disqualifications remain possible if your combined income surpasses federal limits or you miss critical steps like submitting required paperwork or completing recertification on time.
Do homeless people have to meet SNAP work rules?
- Simply experiencing homelessness doesn’t guarantee a work-rule exemption under SNAP.
Under current guidance, states may still grant “good cause” exemptions or other waivers, but they are now required to document and justify each exemption. - In other words, not everyone without stable housing will be excused from meeting SNAP’s work or reporting obligations.
If you’re unhoused, it’s crucial to speak directly with your SNAP caseworker to learn the exact exemption rules that apply in your state.
Will losing SNAP affect my other benefits?
It might, but not always. Some programs automatically or conditionally link eligibility to your SNAP status, including:
- Free or reduced-price school meals
- Summer EBT benefits
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children) assistance
- Medicaid
- Certain utility or internet discounts
- Other local benefit programs
Should you lose your SNAP benefits and have been using them to qualify for other assistance programs, be prepared to submit additional documentation to maintain those benefits. Contact your caseworker to find out which programs in your state are connected to SNAP eligibility.
Do I need to meet SNAP work rules if my disability claim is pending?
A pending SSI or SSDI disability application alone does not automatically exempt you from SNAP work rules.
In many states, you can request an exemption if you provide medical documentation proving you are unable to work while your disability claim is under review.
However, rules vary by state, and caseworkers will make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Submit any available medical paperwork to your SNAP office and ask about temporary exemptions during the disability determination process.
4. How to Prepare for SNAP 2025 Changes?
Below are practical ways you can prepare for the SNAP 2025 Changes while ensuring you maximize your benefits:
Review and verify your eligibility status
Check your current SNAP case details carefully.
If your household includes adults who may now fall under the expanded ABAWD or work requirement rules, confirm whether exemptions apply to you and find out what documentation your caseworker needs.
Stay updated with official announcements
Follow updates from USDA/FNS for federal notices and check your state SNAP office for local implementation timelines, waiver expiration dates, and access portals.
Plan for potential financial adjustments
Recalculate your household budget assuming possible benefit reductions, whether temporary or permanent, and identify emergency resources such as local food banks, community services, and benefit hotlines.
If you or your family members may lose part of your SNAP allotment, prioritize your spending and explore other social safety-net programs as early as possible.
Maximize your SNAP benefits by enrolling in Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal assistance program that helps eligible low-income consumers get monthly discounts on phone or broadband services.
Most importantly, participation in SNAP automatically qualifies you for Lifeline. This means having stable internet or phone access can protect your SNAP eligibility and even help you maintain your benefits.
Key benefits of the Lifeline program:
- Lower monthly bills: Lifeline reduces your internet and phone service costs, allowing you to free up more of your budget for groceries if your SNAP allotments change.
- Better job opportunities: Broadband access lets you apply for jobs online, join remote Employment & Training (E&T) programs, and communicate faster with employers, helping you meet SNAP’s updated work requirements.
- Secure digital records: A stable internet or phone connection allows you to store digital documents, such as emails, timestamps, and screenshots, which your SNAP caseworker may accept as proof of participation or valid reasons for exemptions.
Exclusive perks when enrolling through trusted providers like AirTalk Wireless:
- Free smartphones from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
- Free monthly service plans, including unlimited calls, texts, and high-speed data.
- Free international calls to over 200 countries worldwide.
- No hidden fees and no binding contracts.
- Plus, many other special benefits designed to keep you connected.
>>> Read more: Free Kids Tablet with EBT: How to Claim Your Free Phone & Tablet Today
Final Words
As the SNAP 2025 changes take effect, staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect your benefits. Don’t wait until the rules change, start preparing today to secure your SNAP advantages and keep your household supported.