Overview

• An Oct. 3 USDA memo advanced the implementation to early November and rescinded many state waivers, upending timelines in places that expected a later start.
• Able-bodied adults generally ages 18 to 64 must document about 80 hours a month of work, training, or volunteering or face a three-month limit in a three-year period, with exemptions narrowed to exclude groups like veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
• New York City officials estimate about 240,000 recipients will be affected, Gov. Kathy Hochul says at least 300,000 statewide are at risk, and San Diego County projects roughly 96,000 people subject to the rules.
• Beginning in 2027, states will share SNAP benefit costs based on payment accuracy, and the new guidance makes states immediately responsible for correct administration with potential penalties for errors.
• Local agencies report severe capacity strains, with San Diego County planning 426 hires and seeking about $91 million in support, while officials caution that a prolonged federal shutdown could threaten November payments and slow new application processing.