What the current administration is doing to SNAP
As of early 2025, the Trump administration has not stopped SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps). The program continues to operate, and people currently receiving benefits keep getting them. However, the administration has proposed changes to how SNAP works, and some of those proposals have moved forward through executive action or regulatory change.
The most concrete action so far involves work requirements. In February 2025, the administration issued guidance to states allowing them to enforce stricter work rules for adults without dependents aged 18 to 49. These rules require recipients in that age group to work, participate in a job training program, or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week to keep their benefits. States can choose whether to enforce this rule, and some have, while others have not.
Beyond work requirements, the administration has discussed but not yet implemented other changes, including tighter income limits, shorter benefit periods, and stricter documentation rules. None of these have become law or taken effect nationwide. What actually happens depends on whether Congress passes new legislation, whether courts block executive actions, and whether individual states choose to adopt stricter rules.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP has not been eliminated or stopped; the program continues and current recipients still receive monthly benefits.
- Work requirements for adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents have been expanded in some states but not all, and the rules vary by state.
- Proposed changes to income limits, benefit amounts, or documentation rules have not yet taken effect and may not pass Congress.
- If you currently receive SNAP, you should continue to report changes in income or household size as you normally would and watch for notices from your state agency.
How work requirements affect your SNAP benefits
If you are an adult between 18 and 49 with no dependents, the expanded work requirement rules may apply to you, depending on your state. Under the current guidance, you must work, participate in approved job training, or do community service for at least 20 hours per week. If you do not meet this requirement, your benefits can be stopped.
Some states have adopted these rules immediately. Others have not, and some have challenged them in court. Before your state implements the rule, you should receive written notice from your state SNAP agency explaining what you need to do. If you are already working, volunteering, or in a training program, you may already meet the requirement without taking any new action.
Exemptions exist for people who are disabled, pregnant, caring for a child under 6, or homeless. If any of these apply to you, the work requirement does not apply, but you may need to provide documentation to your state agency. Contact your state SNAP office directly to find out whether the rule is in effect where you live and whether you are exempt.
What changes have been proposed but not yet implemented
The administration has discussed several changes that would affect how SNAP works, but these remain proposals rather than active policy. These include lowering income limits so fewer people can receive benefits, reducing the amount of the monthly benefit, and requiring more frequent recertification (meaning you would have to reapply more often).
For any of these changes to take effect nationwide, Congress would need to pass new legislation. The House and Senate would have to vote on and approve a bill that changes the SNAP law. This process takes time, and it is not certain whether such a bill will pass. Some proposed changes could also be challenged in court, which would delay or block them.
Until a change becomes law or takes effect through a final regulation, your SNAP benefits and the rules you follow remain the same. You should not assume a proposed change will happen just because it has been discussed. Watch for official notices from your state SNAP agency, which will tell you if the rules change where you live.
How to find out what rules apply in your state
SNAP is run by states, not by a single federal office. This means the rules and the pace of change vary significantly from state to state. Some states have moved quickly to enforce stricter work requirements. Others have challenged the new rules in court or chosen not to enforce them. A few states have not changed their rules at all.
To find out what is actually happening in your state, contact your state SNAP office directly. You can find the phone number and website for your state agency through the USDA SNAP website or by calling 211. When you call, ask specifically whether work requirements have been put in place for your age group and household type, and whether you are exempt.
If you receive SNAP by mail or through your state's online portal, watch for official notices. These will tell you if the rules have changed and what you need to do. Do not rely on news reports or social media to understand your specific situation — the rules that apply to you depend on your state, your age, your household, and your current circumstances.
What to do if your benefits change or stop
If your SNAP benefits are reduced or stopped, your state agency must send you a written notice explaining why. This notice will include the reason for the change, the date it takes effect, and information about how to appeal. Read this notice carefully and keep it.
If you believe the change is wrong — for example, if you meet the work requirement but your state says you do not, or if you are exempt but were not told — you have the right to appeal. The notice will explain how to file an appeal and what deadline you have. You usually have 30 days from the date of the notice to appeal, though this varies by state.
While you appeal, your benefits may continue or may stop, depending on your state's rules. Ask your state SNAP office what happens to your benefits during an appeal. If you need food assistance immediately while your case is being reviewed, ask about emergency food pantries or other local food resources in your area.
How to stay informed about SNAP changes
The easiest way to stay informed is to keep your contact information current with your state SNAP office. Make sure they have your phone number and mailing address so you receive official notices about changes to your case or to the program rules.
You can also check your state SNAP agency's website regularly for updates. Most states post information about policy changes there before they take effect. The USDA SNAP website (fns.usda.gov/snap) also posts information about federal actions, though state-level changes may not appear there immediately.
If you are part of a community organization, food bank, or advocacy group, they often send updates about SNAP changes to their members. These organizations monitor policy changes and can help you understand what they mean for your specific situation. Local 211 services can also connect you to organizations that track SNAP policy in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my SNAP benefits if I do not meet the work requirement?
If the work requirement is in effect in your state and you are in the age group it applies to, yes — your benefits can stop if you do not work or participate in an approved program for 20 hours per week. However, exemptions exist for people who are disabled, pregnant, caring for a young child, or homeless. Contact your state SNAP office to learn about you are exempt or to report that you meet the work requirement.
Can I appeal if my benefits are stopped?
Yes. Your state must send you a written notice explaining why your benefits stopped, and the notice will include instructions for appealing. You typically have 30 days to file an appeal. Contact your state SNAP office or ask for a copy of the notice if you did not receive one, as it contains the specific steps you need to take.
What counts as work or job training for the work requirement?
Work means any paid employment, including part-time work. Job training includes programs run by your state workforce agency, community colleges, or nonprofits that teach job skills. Volunteering for at least 20 hours per week also counts in most states. Ask your state SNAP office for a complete list of approved activities in your state.
If I am already receiving SNAP, do I need to reapply?
No. You do not need to reapply just because of policy changes. You should continue to report changes in your income, household size, or living situation as you normally would. If a new rule affects you, your state will send you a notice explaining what you need to do.
Where can I find my state SNAP office?
Call 211 or visit fns.usda.gov/snap and select your state. Both will give you the phone number and website for your state SNAP agency. You can also search online for "[your state] SNAP office" or "[your state] food assistance."