Starting this November, millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see major changes under the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While the legislation is being promoted as a cost-saving reform, many families and advocates worry it could make food access more difficult for those already struggling to get by.
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the new law is expected to reduce federal SNAP spending by roughly $187 billion through 2034. The sweeping reforms introduce stricter work requirements, revised eligibility standards, and an expanded role for states in managing benefits.
One of the most notable changes raises the work requirement age limit from 49 to 64. This means adults without dependents will now need to meet specific employment or training conditions to maintain eligibility. While individuals with verified medical conditions or disabilities will continue to qualify for exemptions, many who previously received automatic waivers could lose that protection.
Eligibility verification will also tighten, focusing more narrowly on U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Undocumented households and certain mixed-status families may face new hurdles in maintaining benefits.
Another major shift comes from the temporary freeze placed on the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines benefit amounts. Until 2027, benefit levels will remain fixed despite inflation and rising grocery prices, and future adjustments must be “cost-neutral”—meaning any increases must be offset by cuts elsewhere.
The new law also shifts part of the program’s administrative costs from the federal government to individual states. Experts say this could lead to wide disparities in benefits and access depending on where families live. States with fewer resources may have to scale back services or tighten eligibility even further, leaving recipients vulnerable to food insecurity.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the reforms will “encourage employment, reduce waste, and improve program efficiency.” They claim the new system will better prioritize long-term self-sufficiency while curbing misuse of benefits.
Critics, however, see a different picture. Hunger advocates warn that “even small reductions in assistance can have major consequences for low-income households,” especially as rent, food, and energy costs continue to climb. They argue the freeze on benefit adjustments could push millions closer to hunger at a time when food banks and relief programs are already strained.
With more than 40 million Americans currently depending on SNAP for their monthly food budget, the coming months will reveal whether these reforms achieve their stated goals—or deepen the hardship for families living paycheck to paycheck.