Big Changes to SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know Now

Hey, friends. Big changes are coming to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as “food stamps”) as part of the new federal budget plan, sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” We’ve been getting a lot of questions about changes to SNAP since the bill passed, and we’ve been working to wrap our heads around it all, too. If you use SNAP, or know someone… The post Big Changes to SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know Now appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Food & Nutritions Aug 13, 2025 0 0 Add to Reading List

Big Changes to SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know Now

Hey, friends. Big changes are coming to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as “food stamps”) as part of the new federal budget plan, sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” We’ve been getting a lot of questions about changes to SNAP since the bill passed, and we’ve been working to wrap our heads around it all, too.

If you use SNAP, or know someone who does, these updates could make a real difference in how much help you receive and what it takes to stay eligible. It’s all overwhelming, so let’s break it down in plain English.

woman getting squash at the farmer's market

What’s Changing in SNAP?

1. Stricter Work Requirements

Under the new budget plan, all able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 64 without dependents will need to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 20 hours per week to keep their SNAP benefits.

Under previous SNAP rules, parents caring for dependent children under 18 were generally exempt from federal work requirements. The new budget bill, now signed into law, lowers that exemption: only parents with children under 14 now qualify. If your child is 14 or older, you’ll be required to meet SNAP’s work or activity requirements to continue receiving benefits, unless your state has a waiver in place.

Under the new budget plan, “able-bodied” is a broad label used to decide who must meet SNAP’s expanded work requirements. While people with verified disabilities or medical conditions can qualify for exemptions, the process can be long and difficult. Those without a formal diagnosis, who can’t easily see a doctor, or who face delays in paperwork may lose benefits even if they can’t work. Temporary injuries or illnesses may also go unrecognized, and because states have some discretion in how they apply the rules, the outcome can vary depending on where you live.

If you don’t meet the hourly requirement, you may only receive 3 months of SNAP within a 3-year period.

2. States Will Pay More to Run SNAP

Right now, the federal government splits the cost of administering SNAP with states 50/50. The new budget plan lowers the federal share to 25%, meaning states will have to pick up the remaining 75%.

States that make errors in SNAP payments could be on the hook for 5% to 25% of those benefit costs—which could lead to stricter rules, delayed applications, or fewer staff to help recipients.

Federal SNAP changes don’t directly raise state taxes, but it will likely shift the costs onto state and local budgets. Historically, that kind of cost shift results in tax hikes, cuts to other important services, or both.

3. Benefits Will Grow More Slowly

Normally, SNAP benefits adjust each year to keep up with inflation. This budget plan caps those increases, so benefits may not keep pace with rising food prices in the future. So, you know that buzz word, “tariff”? Yeah…things could get rough.

To put it bluntly, when food gets more expensive suddenly, SNAP recipients are left to fill the gap out-of-pocket from already tight budgets. So, the minimal benefits SNAP recipients do receive will not go quite as far.

4. SNAP-Ed Will Be Eliminated

SNAP-Ed is a nutrition education program that helps families learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget. Under this budget, SNAP-Ed will be defunded after 2025.

Our team has been working hard to make sure we continue to provide our Budget Bytes community with free recipes that nourish you and won’t break the bank.

We’ve increased the number of budget-friendly recipes we’re posting each week (we hope you love them!) and have taken on some partnerships, too. Whenever you see pop-up ads or new paid partnerships being promoted on our social media or on the blog in the future, know that we do those so we can keep the blog paywall free and hopefully introduce you to some brands that might be helpful for you.

As always, any feedback you have (including recipe requests!) are always gratefully accepted. Just shoot us an email or leave a comment on the blog with your thoughts, concerns, requests, and needs. We are dedicated and we’re here for you.

5. Massive SNAP Funding Cuts

Over the next decade, the federal government plans to cut $186–295 billion from SNAP. That’s one of the biggest cuts in the program’s history and could lead to smaller monthly benefit amounts or more barriers to access.

Why It Matters

Millions could lose some or all of their SNAP benefits; because of the budget bill, over a 10-year period, 22.3 million families will lose food assistance entirely. An additional 5 million families stand to lose $150 per month on average.
States may struggle to keep up, resulting in longer wait times and stricter verification. I was on hold for over 1 hour before I was able to speak to a Human Services agent about SNAP during my research for this blog post.
Low-income families and individuals, especially in rural or underserved areas, could face higher food insecurity.
Many of the people affected are already working part-time, caring for loved ones, or facing barriers like mental health issues, housing instability, or lack of transportation.

overhead view of okra and blackberries in containers from a farmers market

What You Can Do

Stay informed. Check your mail and email for notices from your state SNAP agency. (The number to call in Nashville is (615) 313-4700. Follow the automated prompts until you are asked if you would like to speak with an agent. Be prepared to wait on hold for a long time! If you’re not in Nashville like I am, you can call the USDA SNAP Hotline at 1-800-877-8339.)
Track your hours. If you’re working, volunteering, or in a training program, keep detailed records. I cannot stress this enough! The more thorough you are, the better.
Know your rights. Some people may still qualify for exemptions—like caregivers, veterans, people with disabilities, or those in school. Ask as many questions as you can!
Seek local help. Legal aid groups and food banks often help with paperwork, appeals, or understanding your options.
Speak up (and vote!). Contact your state reps if you’re worried about how these changes could affect you or your community. A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can connect you directly with the Senate office. (202) 224-3121. Your engagement is critical to shaping policy outcomes!

^{Special thank you to The Nashville Farmers’ Market, Hancock Family Farm, and Smiley’s Farm.}