In many kitchens, September began with a calculator in hand. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the food stamp system. Starting Monday, September 1, in order to maintain assistance, beneficiaries must demonstrate hours of work or training.
The reform is based on the tax law that President Donald Trump presented as his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” On paper, it promises to save money; at home, it could mean less food in the shopping cart.
What has changed in food stamps since September 1?
At the heart of the reform are the minimum hours required to continue receiving SNAP. Adults without dependents must now work, volunteer, or participate in training programs for at least 80 hours per month, or about 20 hours per week. If they cannot prove this, they will only be able to collect coupons for three months in a 36-month period, unless they obtain an exemption.
The rule targets adults who are able to work and have no dependents, although the exact age depends on the state. This category will determine who can continue to pay for part of their purchases with SNAP and who will exhaust their months of assistance.
Who is exempt from the new SNAP requirements?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established several exceptions. Those who already work 30 hours per week or more, or who earn the federal minimum wage for that time, are considered covered. Parents or caregivers of children under the age of 6 and dependents with disabilities are also protected.
The rule also provides exemptions for adults with physical or mental limitations, those participating in addiction treatment programs, and students enrolled part-time in study or training programs. In theory, these exceptions protect the most vulnerable; in practice, they involve verifications, certificates, and bureaucratic procedures with already over-burdened state authorities.
How much money will families lose with the SNAP reform?
An analysis by the Urban Institute, a research center, estimated that of the 22.3 million families covered by SNAP, about 5.3 million would lose at least $25 per month in benefits. That may seem like a small amount, but that $25 determines whether they can buy fresh meat or just pasta and rice.
On average, the reduction is $146 per month in households that depend on this assistance. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), up to 2.4 million people, many of them with children, could lose their monthly benefits. The government argues that this policy encourages work, while social organizations warn of an increase in hunger and inequality.
What can SNAP recipients do about the new rules?
The key question for those who receive food stamps is: Do I meet the new requirements, or could I lose my assistance in three months? To find out, check your letters and messages from the state SNAP office and confirm whether your case must meet the 80-hour requirement or whether you are eligible for an exemption.
Here are some basic steps that may be helpful:
- Keep track of your hours of work, volunteer work, or courses.
- If you are unsure, contact your local SNAP office or a community organization.
The reform is not just another technical adjustment, but a rule that forces households to reorganize their time and budget. For many households, meeting the new hours or qualifying for an exemption will be the only way to maintain a benefit that has been a lifeline in the face of food insecurity.
