What the current administration is doing to SNAP
The Trump administration has not ended the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps. SNAP remains a federal program that states operate. However, the administration has proposed and implemented changes to how the program works, and more changes may come depending on what Congress approves and funds.
The most concrete change so far involves work requirements. In early 2025, the administration moved to enforce stricter work-related rules for adults without dependents aged 18 to 49. These rules already existed in law but were waived during the pandemic. The administration is pushing states to apply them more strictly, which means some people may lose benefits if they do not meet work hour thresholds (usually 20 hours per week) or participate in work programs.
Other proposed changes include tightening income and asset limits, reducing the standard deduction used to calculate benefits, and changing how states verify that people still meet the rules. None of these have been fully implemented nationwide yet. What actually happens depends on Congress funding, state-by-state decisions about how strictly to enforce rules, and court challenges that are already underway.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP has not been eliminated, but work requirements for adults without dependents are being enforced more strictly in some states.
- The administration has proposed lowering benefit amounts and tightening income limits, but these require Congressional action and funding.
- Changes roll out state by state, not all at once, so what happens in your state depends on your state's decisions.
- If you receive SNAP now, contact your state agency directly to learn what rules apply to you, because proposed changes are not yet law everywhere.
Work requirements and who they affect
Work requirements for SNAP are not new. Federal law has required able-bodied adults without dependents (called ABAWDs) aged 18 to 49 to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government waived this requirement nationwide. That waiver ended in 2024.
Now states are enforcing the rule again, but not uniformly. Some states are strict about verifying work hours and removing people from the rolls quickly if they do not meet the requirement. Other states are moving more slowly or have asked for additional time. If you are in this age group without dependents, your state's SNAP office should have told you about the work requirement in writing. If you did not receive a notice, contact your state agency to find out what the rule is where you live.
People who are exempt from work requirements include those over 50, those under 18, parents or caretakers of children, people with disabilities, and people who are pregnant or recently gave birth. If you think you fall into an exempt category, bring documentation (birth certificate, disability information letter, proof of pregnancy) to your state SNAP office.
Proposed changes that are not yet in effect
The administration has proposed several changes to SNAP that would affect how much people receive and who can receive it. These include lowering the standard deduction (the amount subtracted from income before benefits are calculated), reducing the maximum benefit amount, and tightening income limits. These proposals require Congressional approval and funding. As of early 2025, none of them have become law.
Proposed changes also include stricter verification of citizenship and stricter rules about what counts as income or assets. Again, these are proposals, not current policy. Congress would need to pass them and fund them. Some proposals face legal challenges, which means courts may block them before they take effect.
The timeline for any of these changes is unclear. Congress moves slowly, and court cases can take months or years. If you are concerned about how a proposed change might affect you, the best step is to stay in contact with your state SNAP office and watch for official notices from them. Do not rely on news reports alone — your state agency will send you written notice if your benefits or rules change.
How to find out what applies to you right now
The rules that apply to you depend on your state, your age, your household composition, and your income. Because changes are happening at different speeds in different places, you cannot assume that what you read about one state applies to yours.
Contact your state SNAP office directly. You can find it through your state's human services or social services website, or by calling 211 and asking for the SNAP office. Tell them your situation and ask: What work requirements apply to me? What income limit applies to my household? What do I need to do to keep my benefits? Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke to.
If you receive SNAP by mail or online, watch for official notices from your state. These will tell you if your benefits are changing, if you need to do something new, or if you are no longer receiving benefits. Do not ignore these notices — they usually have a deadline for you to respond or appeal.
What to do if your benefits change or stop
If your SNAP benefits are reduced or stopped, you have the right to appeal. Your state must send you a notice explaining why and telling you how to appeal. The notice will include a deadline, usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state.
To appeal, contact your state SNAP office and ask for a fair hearing. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person. Bring any documents that support your case: pay stubs showing you work, a letter from your employer, proof that you are disabled, proof of your age, or anything else that shows you meet the rules. You can also ask for a representative to help you — this can be a legal aid attorney, a social worker, or someone you trust.
While you appeal, your benefits may continue at the reduced or stopped level, or they may continue at the old level depending on your state's rules. Ask your state office what happens while you wait for a hearing. The hearing usually happens within 60 days, and you will receive a written decision after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my food stamps if I do not work?
Only if you are an able-bodied adult aged 18 to 49 without dependents, and only if your state is enforcing the work requirement. You must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week. If you are over 50, have dependents, are disabled, or are pregnant, the work requirement does not apply to you. Contact your state SNAP office to learn about it applies to you.
What counts as work for SNAP purposes?
Paid employment counts. So does participation in a state-approved work program, job training, or community service. The work must total at least 20 hours per week. Some states count school or volunteer work under certain conditions. Ask your state SNAP office what counts in your state and what documentation you need to prove your hours.
Can I appeal if my benefits were stopped?
Yes. You have the right to a fair hearing. Your state must send you a notice explaining why your benefits stopped and how to request a hearing. You usually have 10 to 30 days to request one. Bring any documents that show you meet the rules, and consider asking for help from a legal aid attorney or advocate.
Do proposed changes mean my benefits will definitely go down?
Not necessarily. Proposed changes are not law yet. They require Congress to pass them and fund them. Even if Congress acts, the changes would take time to implement. Your state will send you an official notice if your benefits actually change. Do not assume a news story about a proposal means your benefits are changing now.
Where do I find my state SNAP office?
Search online for "[your state name] SNAP office" or "[your state name] food assistance." You can also call 211 and ask for the SNAP office in your area. Have your address ready so they can direct you to the right local office. You can also apply or report changes online through your state's website.