he Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food assistance program that is implemented in U.S. to feed millions of individuals, and major changes begin to take effect in October 2025. These amendments are included in the recent new One Big Beautiful Bill, Act of 2025 that has been signed by the President Donald Trump. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), that is, the adults that have no dependents, will be particularly impacted by the new rules. These reforms will augment working load, revamp eligibility, and reduce beneficiaries.
20-Hour Weekly Work Rule
Adults younger than 55 years old with no children or dependents will now be obliged to work at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month, or to train or to volunteer in a community service organization to get SNAP benefits. When one does not fulfill this requirement he or she will receive SNAP benefits during a three month span during a three year period. This is a very strict condition, which makes the beneficiaries work or train actively.
New groups will also be affected
Formerly, this was not the case with certain categories including veterans and 55 to 64. Nevertheless, they will now further have to work or do community services 20 hours weekly. This will specifically affect the older generation and military personnel who have just been back in society and are already struggling to secure jobs.
New definition of “dependent”
Previously, children were considered dependents up to 18 years of age. This limit has been reduced to 7 years of age. This means that parents or guardians of children older than 7 will also be required to comply with the work rules. This will directly impact families with school-age children who previously received exemptions.
Tighter Rules for Migrant Families
With the new budget law, some migrant groups will face more challenges to gain access to SNAP. This will further limit refugees as well as other groups that used to access assistance with ease. This may serve to complicate food assistance of migrant families.
Who will be exempt?
However, some groups will be exempt from the new work rules. These include:
- People with a weekly income of more than $217.50.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with disabilities.
- Caregivers of children under 6 or adults with disabilities.
- People undergoing drug rehabilitation programs.
- Homeless individuals, part-time students, and former foster care youth.
These individuals will still have easier access to SNAP benefits.
Federal Cuts and the Burden on States
According to the Congressional Budget Office, SNAP will be cut by $186 billion over the next 10 years. This means that responsibility for benefits and administration will now partially fall on state governments. This historic change could increase pressure on state governments, as demand will increase but federal assistance will decrease.
Maximum SNAP Benefits Through October 2025
$1,756 SNAP Benefits Approved! Full September 2025 Payment Schedule Revealed
SNAP benefits are based on family size. The amounts valid through September 30, 2025, are as follows:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Per additional person: $220
Available Resources to Meet the New Requirements
The government has launched several programs that will help beneficiaries comply with the new rules:
- SNAP Employment & Training (E&T): Job search, training, and resume workshops.
- Community Service Programs: Work experience work with local nonprofits and schools.
- JETS Training: Health, culinary and technical training.
- Additional Benefits: Transport, childcare and work related expense cover.
- Educational Alternatives: Community college or certificate will be included as well.
In addition, state websites, local SNAP offices, and the national hotline will provide ongoing guidance.
Conclusion
These are the SNAP changes that will be implemented in September 2025 and which will bring a new era to the beneficiaries. Although most families are likely to be challenged by stricter work rules and new eligibility definitions, such opportunities as training, education, and community service are also open. It will be intriguing to find out in coming years that these policies will give rise to self-reliance or the families in need will be burdened even more.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new SNAP work requirement for adults?
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents under 55 must work, train, or volunteer at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) to keep SNAP benefits.
Q2. Who else will now be required to follow the 20-hour rule?
Veterans and adults aged 55–64, who were previously exempt, must now also meet the work or service requirement.
Q3. What is the new definition of a dependent?
Dependents are now defined as children under 7 years old (reduced from 18), meaning parents of school-age children must also meet work rules.
Q4. Who is exempt from the new SNAP rules?
Pregnant women, people with disabilities, caregivers of children under 6, homeless individuals, part-time students, those in rehab programs, and people earning above $217.50 weekly remain exempt.
Q5. What are the maximum SNAP benefit amounts in 2025?
Benefits range from $292 for one person up to $1,756 for a household of eight, with $220 added for each extra member.
