In July 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was passed. It includes SNAP program changes, some of which are currently being implemented and could push more families into food insecurity. SNAP recipients are now required to work 80 hours of qualifying work activities per month. If recipients do not meet this requirement, they will be limited to three months of benefits over a three-year period.
Qualifying activities include:
- Paid employment: a weekly average of 20 hours or $217.50 in pretax wages
- Unpaid work activities, such as volunteering or bartering
- Participation in a SNAP employment and training program
- A combination of work and qualifying activities
These new requirements do not apply to those under age 10 or over 64, individuals who are unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, those living with a child under age 14, a caregiver for someone who is unable to work, those in drug or alcohol treatment, certain Native Americans, and other specific exemptions. If a SNAP recipient meets any of these qualifications, they should fill out and submit their exemption form to their county assistance office.
Work requirement exemptions are now ending for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth. These groups must now meet the 80-hour work requirement to receive benefits.
Immigrant communities eligible for SNAP benefits will now be limited to green card holders, lawful permanent resident children, Compacts of Free Association citizens, and Cubans or Haitians, with a range of current or past statuses. Refugees, people granted asylum, and people who meet other immigration statuses are no longer eligible.
Pennsylvania no longer qualifies for waivers of these rules by county or municipal jurisdiction, due to a change in the federal law.
