Recent federal law and USDA guidance are reshaping SNAP (food stamps) and how EBT benefits work. Some changes are already in effect, others roll out over the next few years—and millions of households could see reduced benefits or lose eligibility mainly due to expanded work rules and administrative changes. AP News
Key takeaways (quick summary)
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Work rules are expanding for “ABAWDs” (able-bodied adults without dependents): more people ages 18–64 can be subject to a 3-month time limit unless they meet an exemption. Food and Nutrition Service
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Some exemptions were removed, including prior temporary exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and certain former foster youth. Food and Nutrition Service
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Parents/caregivers rules tightened: caring for a child now protects you from the ABAWD time limit only if the child is under 14 (not under 18). Food and Nutrition Service
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State flexibility to waive ABAWD time limits is narrower, with stricter waiver criteria tied to high unemployment. Food and Nutrition Service
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Non-citizen eligibility rules changed, and USDA has issued new guidance. Food and Nutrition Service
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What you can buy with EBT may change in some states in 2026 due to USDA-approved waivers restricting certain “unhealthy” items (state-by-state). USDA
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Bigger structural changes hit states later: the federal share of SNAP admin costs drops (FY2027) and states may owe a share of benefit costs starting FY2028 (based on error rates). Food and Nutrition Service
1) The biggest change: Expanded SNAP work rules and time limits
What is an ABAWD?
ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. If you’re classified as an ABAWD and don’t meet a work requirement or exemption, you can be limited to 3 months of SNAP in a 36-month period. Food and Nutrition Service
What changed
USDA guidance implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 expanded who can be subject to the ABAWD time limit:
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Age range expanded: from 18–54 to 18–64. Food and Nutrition Service
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Caregiver exception narrowed: caregiver protection now applies only if you’re responsible for a dependent child under 14 (previously under 18). Food and Nutrition Service
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Temporary exceptions ended: the law removed temporary ABAWD exceptions added in 2023 for:
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homeless individuals
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veterans
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certain young adults formerly in foster care Food and Nutrition Service
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New exception added for certain Tribal/Indigenous categories (with verification rules). Food and Nutrition Service
“But aren’t older adults exempt?”
There are two different rule sets people confuse:
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General SNAP work requirements: people 60+ remain exempt from general work requirements (including mandatory E&T). Food and Nutrition Service
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ABAWD time limit rules: people 60–64 can still be subject to the ABAWD time limit unless they qualify for an exception. Food and Nutrition Service
This is one reason the changes can catch people off guard.
2) Waivers got harder: fewer “high-unemployment” exceptions
States can sometimes waive the ABAWD time limit in areas with high unemployment. Under the new law, the criteria tightened—USDA notes the statute now requires unemployment rates over 10% for waiver areas. Food and Nutrition Service
What that means in plain English: fewer geographic waivers, so more people may be exposed to the 3-month limit.
3) SNAP eligibility and benefit calculation changes (not just work rules)
USDA’s implementation guidance also includes other changes that can affect benefit amounts and eligibility, including:
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Internet costs can’t be counted in allowable shelter costs for the excess shelter deduction (this also affects how Standard Utility Allowances may be calculated). Food and Nutrition Service
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Energy assistance payments are treated differently depending on whether the household includes an elderly or disabled member. Food and Nutrition Service
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Non-citizen eligibility rules changed, and USDA has issued specific “alien eligibility” guidance and Q&As for state agencies. Food and Nutrition Service
These aren’t as headline-grabbing as work rules, but they can still change monthly benefit amounts for some households.
4) EBT purchase rules may change in 2026 (in some states)
Separate from eligibility, USDA has been approving state waivers that change what counts as “food for purchase” under SNAP—commonly restricting items like soda, candy, certain desserts, or energy drinks (details vary by state). USDA+1
Important: this is state-by-state, not nationwide, and implementation dates differ—many are planned to begin in 2026. USDA+1
5) Why experts expect people to lose benefits (even if they “should” qualify)
When requirements expand, two things typically drive losses:
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More people become subject to the time limit, and
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More paperwork/verification increases the chance of missed deadlines or processing delays.
Federal analysis estimates the law will reduce SNAP participation by about 2.4 million people in an average month over the 2025–2034 period. Congressional Budget Office
6) Later changes that could indirectly reduce access (FY2027–FY2028)
Even if your personal eligibility doesn’t change, your state’s program capacity might.
FY2027: Federal admin funding drops
The federal share for SNAP administrative costs is reduced to 25% (from 50%) beginning in FY2027, shifting more costs to states. Food and Nutrition Service
FY2028: States may have to pay part of benefit costs
Beginning in FY2028, states can be required to contribute 0%–15% of SNAP benefit allotments based on their SNAP payment error rate (previously states paid 0% of benefits). Congress.gov
These cost shifts can pressure states to tighten operations, staffing, outreach, and processing—sometimes leading to delays or more frequent “churn” (people falling off and reapplying).
What you should do right now (practical checklist)
If you or someone in your household receives SNAP:
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Know if you could be classified as an ABAWD (especially ages 18–64). Food and Nutrition Service
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If you’re a parent/caregiver, note the new cutoff: child must be under 14 for that exception. Food and Nutrition Service
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Gather proof early (work hours, job search activities, training enrollment, medical limitations, caregiving responsibilities).
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Answer all SNAP notices quickly—many benefit losses happen from missed mail/portal requests, not true ineligibility.
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If you’re cut off, reapply immediately and appeal if appropriate—states often have a fair hearing process (deadlines matter).
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Watch for state-specific EBT purchase rule changes starting in 2026 if your state adopts restrictions. People.com+1
FAQ
Are children losing SNAP?
Most work-rule changes apply to adults, but when an adult loses eligibility, the household benefit can drop, affecting kids indirectly. Congressional Budget Office
If I’m disabled or have a medical limitation, do I still have to meet work rules?
USDA rules include exemptions for people unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, but documentation and verification can matter. Food and Nutrition Service
When did these changes start?
Key ABAWD exception changes were effective upon enactment on July 4, 2025, and are applied during applications and recertifications. Food and Nutrition Service
Will EBT stop working for certain items everywhere?
No—those restrictions are currently tied to state waivers, and details vary by state, with many planned for 2026. People.com
