Due to the protracted government shutdown and a change in funding amount and source their are new temporary rules for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. SNAP reforms include updated income thresholds ensure that more households in need can access benefits.
Changes
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November will be reduced to approximately 65% of the usual maximum allotments. This change affects approximately 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP for food assistance. Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have limited eligibility for immigrants. Under the new rules, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (with certain exceptions), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and citizens of COFA Compact of Free Association nations are eligible for SNAP benefits, while many previously eligible immigrants will lose their benefits.
Work Requirements Enforcement
Effective November 1, 2025
Target Group
Target Group
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Work Requirement
Work Requirement
Must work or participate in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours per month.
Time Limit
Time Limit
Limited to three months of benefits within a 36-month period unless meeting work requirements.
Exemptions
Exemptions
Individuals with medical conditions, pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, veterans, and homeless individuals may be exempt.
Additional Rules
- Households with no net income will see a 50% reduction in their benefits.
- The minimum benefit for one- and two-person households has increased slightly from $23 to $24 per month.
- Special provisions may apply for households with elderly or disabled members, allowing for higher asset limits.
These changes are temporary and are expected to revert once the government shutdown ends and regular appropriations are restored. While SNAP is funded by the federal government, it is administered at the state and local level. This means that even in a regular month, SNAP benefits are paid at different times across the country. For now, an exact timetable on when SNAP will be delivered is not available.
"The recipients of the SNAP benefits need to understand it's going to take some time to receive this money," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press briefing on Tuesday.