From ElderLawNews.com — By Lee Pruitt —
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in July 2025, made significant changes to SNAP’s (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) work requirements, especially those governing able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will have to start complying with the new rules in 2026.
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps people with low incomes afford groceries and maintain access to adequate nutrition. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operated by states, SNAP provides monthly benefits on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that can be used to buy most foods at grocery stores and farmers markets. SNAP plays a critical role in reducing hunger, improving health, and supporting food security for millions of Americans, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families.
What’s Changing With SNAP Work Rules
Here are the key changes that are now in effect or beginning to be enforced in 2026.
Expanded Work Requirements
Under the new rules, adults aged 18 to 64 who are not exempt must:
- Work at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours a week);
- Participate in approved employment and training programs, community service, or job training; or
- Volunteer enough hours to meet the 80-hour requirement.
If they fail to meet these requirements, SNAP benefits are generally limited to no more than three months within any three-year period.
…
Do you need an attorney to handle your Estate Planning, Probate, Special Needs, or Medicaid/Medicare issues? Find a qualified member of the Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in the Ohio NAELA Directory.