How does the "One Big Beautiful Bill" affect SNAP?
In July 2025, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), making major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many details about when and how those changes will be implemented are still developing.
If you use SNAP to help put food on the table, you probably have questions. While some things are still uncertain, one thing is not: Feeding America and the network of food banks are here to support you. Here is information to help you understand these changes.
How does the One Big Beautiful Bill affect SNAP?
Changes to eligibility
New rules will make it harder for some families to qualify, as soon as this fall.
- More people—including for the first time ever, people ages 55 through 64 and parents of school-aged children 14 years and older—will now need to complete more SNAP paperwork to continue benefits. This includes showing proof of work or approved job training. These rules will also apply to veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth, all people who were previously exempt.
- Some legal residents who are not U.S. citizens—who were previously eligible for the program—will no longer be eligible for SNAP at all.
SNAP funds and program availability may vary by state
Starting in the next year or two, states may not have enough funds to ensure benefits are available to everyone who received them in the past.
- A share of food benefit costs may shift from the federal government to state governments beginning in October 2027. Historically, the federal government has covered all food benefit costs. Another major change is that states will need to cover a much higher share of SNAP administrative costs beginning in October 2026.
If I receive SNAP, what does the OBBB mean for me?
In the next few months, you can expect changes. If you receive SNAP, you may now need to complete more paperwork to keep getting benefits. Some legal residents who are not U.S. citizens may no longer be eligible for SNAP food benefits at all.
These new requirements will start soon. Contact your SNAP caseworker for more information about what this means for you in your state. Not sure who your caseworker is? Find your state program office.
