The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is about to face one of its biggest shakeups in years. Starting October 1, a series of changes proposed in the Senate under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could alter how millions of Americans receive food aid. While the bill, introduced by former President Donald Trump, claims to target fraud and secure the program’s future, it has sparked serious concerns about benefit cuts and increased burdens on state governments.
Many of the revisions tighten eligibility requirements, reduce allowable deductions, and cut back federal financial support for administrative costs. Critics argue that these changes could especially hurt low-income and vulnerable families who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. From work mandates to immigrant eligibility restrictions, the upcoming rules may significantly reshape how the program functions in the coming years.
A New Phase for SNAP Begins This October
Big changes are set to roll out for SNAP starting October 1 under a newly proposed Senate bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” heavily supported by former President Donald Trump. The plan aims to tighten program oversight, limit abuse, and ensure long-term sustainability, but many are questioning the cost of these adjustments—especially for the people who rely on food assistance the most. By shifting more financial responsibility to states and placing stricter rules on recipients, the bill could lead to reduced benefits and fewer eligible households.
One of the most impactful changes involves how benefit amounts are calculated. The bill halts any major updates to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)—the core metric used to set benefit levels—until at least October 2027. While smaller annual increases tied to inflation will continue from 2025, the freeze on broader evaluations means fewer opportunities for benefits to rise meaningfully, particularly during times of economic stress.
Tougher Work Requirements for Adults Without Children
For adults without dependents, the bill introduces new work-related rules. Individuals up to age 64 will now be required to work or participate in job training programs for a minimum of 80 hours per month, an increase from the previous cutoff age of 54. While exceptions remain for older adults, minors, medically unfit individuals, and certain tribal populations, this expansion means many more recipients will have to meet work standards to keep their benefits.
Another major update changes how households report expenses. Currently, internet and phone bills are counted toward housing costs when determining SNAP eligibility and benefit size. Under the new bill, these services would be excluded, potentially lowering benefits for families that depend heavily on digital communication for work, education, or health needs. Similarly, the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) will now only apply to households with elderly or disabled members receiving energy assistance, shrinking the pool of those who qualify for higher aid due to utility costs.
Immigrant Families Face New Hurdles
The bill also changes the eligibility rules for immigrants. Under the proposed law, non-citizen members of otherwise eligible households would no longer qualify for SNAP themselves. However, their income would still be counted when determining overall household eligibility. This could create difficult situations for mixed-status families who rely on every member’s eligibility to make ends meet.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the bill is the reduction in federal support for administering the program. By 2027, the federal government’s share of administrative costs will drop from 50% to 25%. While states with low error rates in benefit distribution will be exempt from funding the benefit amounts themselves, others may be forced to either increase their own contributions or cut program offerings. This shift could leave many states struggling to manage their SNAP programs effectively.
