Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to transform how food assistance works in the United States. Introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these reforms mark one of the biggest overhauls of the program in decades. The new rules reduce federal funding, tighten eligibility, and expand work requirements, meaning adults ages 18 to 64 must work at least 80 hours a month to keep receiving benefits beyond a limited period. While exemptions remain for people with disabilities and parents of young children, previous protections for veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults leaving foster care have been removed. States with high unemployment can still request waivers, but overall, access to SNAP will become more restricted.

The law also narrows immigration eligibility, limiting benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, cutting off assistance to some non-citizens who previously qualified under humanitarian or temporary protections. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these combined changes could affect about 2.4 million people per month once fully implemented, with immigration restrictions alone impacting roughly 90,000 individuals monthly. Additionally, updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines benefit amounts, will be paused until 2027 to curb costs. Supporters claim these reforms promote responsibility and efficiency, while critics warn they risk increasing hunger and food insecurity among already vulnerable families.