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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help millions of seniors eliminate some money stress, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has changed SNAP eligibility. OBBBA implemented new work requirements which are currently going into effect, meaning some retirees must return to work to retain their benefits.
Here's what to know about the new work requirements, how they're impacting SNAP recipients, and what you may need to do to keep your benefits.
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What's at stake
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the OBBBA cut SNAP by $187 billion, and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) stated that the cut was the largest cut to the program in history.
The CBPP projects that approximately 4 million people could lose some or all of their SNAP benefits in a typical month once the changes are fully implemented. That includes vulnerable populations, like older adults aged 55 through 64, who are going to be subject to additional work requirements. Additionally, the OBBBA eliminates exemptions for people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and young people who have recently aged out of foster care, meaning these vulnerable populations could potentially lose their benefits unless they're able to meet the work requirements.
This isn't a future threat, and enforcement of the new work requirements and other rules is already in effect in most states.
The core work requirement changes
Since 1996, "able-bodied adults without dependents" have had to meet work requirements to receive SNAP benefits, but the OBBBA made significant changes to the program's work requirements.
Previously, only able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents were subject to work requirements. The OBBBA expands the work requirements to apply to adults between the ages of 55 and 64, as well as adults with children over age 14.
Under the new work requirements, affected individuals must document at least 80 hours of work per month. Alternatively, they may document volunteering or approved job training.
The elimination of exemptions
The OBBBA also eliminated a 2023 work requirement exemption for veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and youth who recently aged out of foster care. Additionally, it limited states' ability to apply for work requirement waivers for areas experiencing high degrees of unemployment, meaning some SNAP recipients may face significant challenges in meeting these new work requirements.
Some work requirement exemptions remain in place, including for children under age 18, adults age 65 and older, people who are physically or mentally unable to work, pregnant individuals, and some students who attend school at least part-time.
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The increase in required documentation
While SNAP benefits were previously entirely federally funded, the OBBBA requires states to contribute to the benefits. To reduce their financial responsibility, states may lower their SNAP benefits overpayment or underpayment error rates.
In an attempt to lower their error rates, some states are now requiring SNAP applicants to submit more documentation and paperwork, which makes the process of applying time-consuming and burdensome. Some applicants aren't able to navigate the increasingly challenging process, while others have paperwork that isn't getting approved. Some applicants may see the process as being so difficult that they give up partway through or don't even try to apply.
The effects the changes are already having
According to the CBPP's SNAP Tracker data, as states are implementing these new requirements, millions of SNAP recipients are losing benefits. Between the OBBBA's July 2025 implementation and February 2026, SNAP participation has declined by more than 3.5 million people, or nearly 9%. Over the past year, participation has declined by more than 4 million people, or about 10%.
SNAP participation declined in every state. In more than 38 states, participation is down by 5%, while in 13 states, participation has declined by 10%.
Some states have been particularly hard-hit. Arizona saw a decline in SNAP participation of about 49%, while Louisiana and Virginia saw declines of nearly 15%.
Understanding the SNAP change rollout
The data on the declining SNAP participation may be just the beginning, as some states haven't yet implemented the changes or passed the three-month point at which individuals would begin to lose their benefits due to the new requirements. For example, California is scheduled to implement the new requirement time limit on June 1. Those who don't meet the work requirement after three months may start to have their benefits cut in October, so the full impact of the new work rules is yet to be seen.
Bottom line
If you or a loved one relies on SNAP, contact your state SNAP office for guidance and help. States are implementing the new requirements at different times, so it's important to check your local rules to understand when you may need to meet the new requirements.
In the meantime, it's a good idea to gather any documentation that could support an exemption claim, and pay close attention to any notices you receive. Depending on your age, even if you're already retired, you may need to meet the work requirements to keep the SNAP benefits that could help you keep more cash in your wallet.
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