What the Trump administration has actually done to EBT so far

As of early 2025, no executive order or law has stopped or eliminated the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the federal program behind EBT cards. What has changed is the pace and focus of enforcement around work requirements and state administration of the program.

In January 2025, the Trump administration issued executive orders directing federal agencies to enforce existing work requirements more strictly and to reduce what officials call "improper payments" in benefit programs. This means states are being pushed to verify income and work status more thoroughly, and to remove people from the rolls faster if they do not meet requirements. However, these are changes to how the program is run — not changes that eliminate the program itself.

The distinction matters because it affects who keeps their benefits and who loses them, but it does not mean EBT is going away. Millions of people still receive SNAP benefits every month, and the program continues to operate in all 50 states.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP (the program behind EBT) has not been stopped or eliminated; it continues to operate in all states and distribute benefits monthly.
  • The Trump administration is directing states to enforce work requirements more strictly and to verify income more thoroughly before approving or renewing benefits.
  • If you receive SNAP, you may face faster recertification reviews or requests for proof of work or income; contact your state agency if you receive a notice.
  • Work requirements vary by state and by your age and household situation; some people are exempt, and the rules have not changed in most states yet.
  • If you lose benefits or are denied, you have the right to request a hearing; your state agency must tell you how to do this in writing.

How work requirements affect who keeps SNAP benefits

SNAP has always had work requirements for some people. Adults without dependents between ages 18 and 49 must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. States can waive this requirement in areas with high unemployment, and many states have done so during economic downturns.

The Trump administration's push is to reduce or eliminate these waivers, which means more people in more places will have to prove they meet the work requirement. If you are in this age group and receive SNAP, you may receive a notice asking you to show proof of work or enrollment in a work program. If you do not respond or do not meet the requirement, your benefits will stop.

People who are exempt — including parents with children under 6, people over 50, people with disabilities, and people already receiving unemployment benefits — are not affected by stricter enforcement of work requirements. However, all SNAP recipients may face more frequent income verification and faster recertification timelines.

What happens if you receive a notice about your benefits

If your state sends you a notice about your SNAP case, read it carefully and follow the deadline. Notices typically ask you to provide documents (pay stubs, a letter from your employer, proof of job search, or proof of enrollment in a work program) or to call your caseworker by a specific date.

If you miss the deadline, your benefits will stop. If you believe the notice is wrong — for example, you do work but did not receive the notice, or you are exempt from the work requirement — you can request a hearing. Your state agency must include instructions for requesting a hearing in the notice itself. You have a right to present your case and to have a neutral person review the decision.

Do not ignore a notice. Call your state SNAP office or your caseworker as soon as you receive it, even if you need time to gather documents. Many offices will give you extra time if you ask before the deadline passes.

State-by-state differences in how SNAP is being enforced

SNAP is a federal program, but states run it day-to-day. This means enforcement of work requirements and recertification timelines can vary significantly. Some states have already tightened their processes; others have not yet made changes. A few states have sued to block stricter enforcement, arguing it violates federal law.

To find out what is happening in your state, contact your state SNAP office directly. You can find the phone number on your EBT card or by searching "[your state] SNAP office" online. Ask specifically whether work requirements are being enforced in your area, whether recertification timelines have changed, and what documents you need to provide if you receive a notice.

If you live in a state that has challenged the administration's orders in court, the rules may stay the same for now. If you live in a state that is complying, changes may already be underway. Either way, your state agency is the source of truth for your case.

What to do if you lose SNAP benefits or are denied

If your benefits stop or you are denied SNAP, you have options. First, request a hearing within the timeframe given in the notice (usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state). At the hearing, you can present documents, explain your situation, and ask questions about the decision.

Second, contact a legal aid organization in your state. Many provide free help to people fighting benefit denials. You can find a legal aid office through the Legal Aid Work Group website or by calling 211 and asking for legal aid referrals.

Third, if you need food right away, contact your local food bank or meal program. The Feeding America website has a food bank locator, and 211 can connect you to emergency food resources in your area.

How to stay informed about changes to SNAP in your state

Policy changes often roll out slowly, and information spreads unevenly. To stay informed, sign up for alerts from your state SNAP office — many send email or text notifications when rules change or when your recertification is due. You can also follow your state's human services or social services department on social media or check their website monthly.

Advocacy organizations that focus on food and nutrition also track SNAP changes by state. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Food Research and Action Center publish regular updates on policy changes and their effects. These organizations are not government agencies, but they monitor what is happening and publish findings that are often cited in news reports.

If you have questions about your specific case, your state SNAP office is always the right place to ask. Caseworkers can tell you whether a change affects you and what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will SNAP be completely eliminated?

No. SNAP is a federal program established by law, and eliminating it would require Congress to pass new legislation. The Trump administration can change how strictly work requirements are enforced and how quickly states process cases, but it cannot shut down the program on its own.

Do I have to work to get SNAP?

It depends on your age, household, and state. If you are between 18 and 49 with no dependents, you must work or be in a work program for at least 20 hours per week in most states. If you are a parent, over 50, disabled, or already receiving unemployment, you are exempt. Ask your state SNAP office whether the work requirement applies to you.

What if I cannot find a job or a work program?

Tell your caseworker. If you are actively looking for work and cannot find a job, some states will give you extra time or help you find a work program. If you are unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, you may be exempt. Document your situation and submit it to your state office before your deadline.

Can I appeal if my benefits are cut off?

Yes. You have the right to request a hearing within the timeframe stated in your notice. At the hearing, you can explain your situation and present documents. A neutral person will review the decision. Legal aid organizations can help you prepare for the hearing at no cost.

Where do I find my state SNAP office?

Call 211 or search "[your state] SNAP office" online. Your EBT card also has a customer service number on the back. Have your case number ready when you call, and ask to speak to your caseworker or to someone who can answer questions about your specific case.