Overview
- The USDA rules took effect on October 1, 2026 and extend mandatory work or approved activity to more adults in the SNAP program.
- Adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have a child under 14 must do at least 80 hours of work or authorized activity each month to keep benefits beyond a three-month limit.
- Federal exemptions that previously protected veterans, people who aged out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness were removed, increasing the pool at risk of losing aid.
- The law narrows immigrant eligibility to U.S. citizens and some lawful permanent residents and requires states to cover a larger share of benefit and administrative costs, which may prompt tighter state-level enforcement.
- Private services like DoorDash now accept SNAP/EBT for groceries and offer a $4.99/month SNAP/EBT DashPass, but EBT only pays for eligible food and delivery fees, service charges, tips and noneligible items must be paid separately.