SNAP Rule Change 2025, Adults Must Prove 80 Hours of Work or Activity to Keep Benefits

In the U.S., SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Food stamps is a lifeline for low-income families; it assists millions of people in purchasing food every month. But, in 2025 a big change in SNAP rules is coming up which is worrying a lot of beneficiaries.

According to the new rule, some able-bodied adults will be required to show proof of working or participating in an approved activity for at least 80 hours each month to receive food stamp benefits. This change will primarily affect people who could have previously received SNAP benefits without work requirements.

What is SNAP and why is it important?

SNAP is a major food assistance program in the US, administered by the federal government and implemented through state agencies. Its purpose is to ensure that low-income individuals and families do not go hungry.

Eligible individuals receive an EBT card, which they can use to purchase food at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers’ markets.

In today’s environment, where:

• Inflation is rising
• Rent and healthcare costs have increased
• The minimum wage remains low in many states
• SNAP has become a lifeline for millions of families.

What is the SNAP Rule Change 2025?

This new rule, set to take effect in 2025, primarily focuses on able-bodied adults.

What does the new rule state?

Some adults receiving SNAP benefits will be required to:

• Work, participate in job training, education, or an approved activity for at least 80 hours each month
• And provide proof of this to their local SNAP office.
• An individual may lose his or her SNAP if he or she fails to meet this requirement.

Who does the 80-hour requirement apply to?

The 80-hour work requirement does not apply to all SNAP individuals. SNAP is mainly aimed at ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) in the United States.

Generally, this category includes:

• Adults aged 18 to 54
• Those without dependent children
• Those who are physically able to work

The government believes that people in this group can become self-sufficient through work or training.

Who can be exempt from this rule?

The government also understands that everyone’s circumstances are not the same. Therefore, some people are granted an exemption from this 80-hour requirement.

Potential exemptions include:

• Pregnant women
• Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
• Those under 18 or over 55 years of age
• Those already meeting work requirements under another government assistance program
• States or regions with certain special circumstances (where unemployment is very high)
• However, submitting documentation is often required to qualify for an exemption.

What activities will count as “80 hours of work”?

This is a very important question, as not everyone can work a full-time job.

Eligible activities can include:

• Part-time or full-time jobs
• State-and-federally sanctioned job training programs
• Apprenticeship training programs
• Voluntary work (if certain conditions are met)
• Courses for skill improvement
• State/government-recognized work programs

Thus even searching for a job or going for skill training, people still can fulfill these criteria.

Changes affecting SNAP recipients

Added pressure-

It would be a tough ask for many recipients to record this 80-hour activity on a monthly basis especially:

For rural areas

With limited job opportunities

Or without adequate transport facilities.

Documentation process-

Along with working, individuals will now be required to submit at least:

Timesheets

Verification from employer

Training certificate, etc.

Benefit Termination Scare

If proof is not submitted on time, SNAP benefits may be temporarily or permanently terminated, which will have a significant impact on families.

Why is the government implementing this rule?

According to the government, there are several reasons behind this rule:

• Bringing people back into the workforce
• Reducing the long-term dependence on state support
• Skill development and employment
• Ensuring accountability in the use of taxpayer funds

According to the government, the law would foster independence; on the contrary, critics claim that many needing support could be filtered out.

Criticism and Concerns

Various organizations and experts have raised concerns about this rule.

Main concerns:

• Insufficient job availability in all areas
• People with mental health issues may struggle despite exemptions
• The documentation process may be complex
• Some people may lose benefits due to bureaucratic reasons, even though they are genuinely in need
• They believe that programs addressing hunger should be strengthened, not made stricter.

What should SNAP recipients do?

If you are receiving SNAP benefits, there is no need to panic, but it is important to be vigilant.

Essential steps:

• Get updates from your state’s SNAP office
• Check if you fall under the 80-hour work requirement
• If you are unemployed, enroll in a job training program
• Submit all documents on time
• Contact your caseworker immediately if you encounter any problems

Conclusion

The SNAP rule change of 2025 has brought about a major transformation of the food assistance program in the United States, making it mandatory for certain adult recipients of benefits to work or engage in approved activities for 80 hours per month. While this rule may help some in gaining employment skills and self-sufficiency, it may start to create further hurdles for many vulnerable people with scarce resources.

Thus, it is worthwhile for SNAP beneficiaries to be educated on state-specific rules, act in time, certify that they have submitted timely and complete work or activity documentation properly, and assert their rights. SNAP is more than a government program; it is the lifeline for millions of people, guarding them from hunger and the ability to live an ordinary life.

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