Overview
- As of Feb. 1, adults ages 18 to 64 without qualifying dependents must document at least 80 hours per month of work, approved training, or volunteering to keep SNAP benefits.
- Illinois and other states began notifying recipients that they must have exemptions on file or proof of hours by the end of April, with benefits potentially ending as soon as May 1.
- Implementation is staggered, with Texas enforcing since October and Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, and Georgia since November, meaning some recipients are already nearing the three-month limit.
- Exemptions remain for people who are pregnant, have a medically certified disability, or live with a child 14 or younger, while prior automatic exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and many former foster youth were removed.
- Food banks from Chicago to Houston report preparing for higher demand and urge recipients to update contact information and verify status, and New Mexico officials say nearly 20,000 lawfully present immigrants have lost federal SNAP eligibility.