New federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program went into effect Dec. 1, marking one of the Trump administration’s most significant changes to the nation’s food assistance system.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the age limit for recipients required to work, train or volunteer at least 80 hours per month was raised from 54 to 64. The rule applies to new applicants immediately and will be implemented for current recipients at their next recertification.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the changes will reduce SNAP participation by an average of 2.4 million people per month over the next decade.
Administration officials have argued the overhaul is needed to curb costs and address what they say is growing dependence on the program, as well as fraud within the system. SNAP traces its roots to the Food Stamp Program, launched during the Great Depression. Congress made the program permanent in 1964.
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