SNAP Eligibility Changes Begin Oct. 1 Across the U.S.

Federal SNAP rules are tightening eligibility and shifting more of the program’s costs to states. The 2025 tax and spending law requires recipients ages 18 through 64 to work or volunteer for at least 80 hours each month. It also limits the parental exemption to people whose children are younger than 14; previously, parents qualified when their children were under 18.

The Food Research & Action Center estimates that 5.2 million people have stopped receiving SNAP since the law took effect. Enrollment is now at its lowest point since 2019. Lori Covelli, 53, lost the $760 in monthly assistance she received after she could not secure employment and failed to meet work rules. She applies for about 10 jobs weekly, but the expanded age limit means she will not leave those requirements behind at 54 as she had expected.

Health-based exemptions can bring additional paperwork. Angie Aranda, 49, is pursuing a medical waiver after losing her exemption because her children are 17 and 14. She fears her household’s approximately $900 monthly benefit could be affected and has had difficulty getting instructions from the state agency. For Simi Valley households in similar circumstances, maintaining food assistance may depend on satisfying the expanded work rules or documenting an exemption. The average benefit nationwide is approximately $190 monthly, equal to about $6.25 per person each day.

States also face higher expenses. Beginning Oct. 1, their portion of administrative costs rises from 50% to 75%. In October 2027, states with elevated payment error rates may become responsible for as much as 15% of benefit costs. Experts say the funding changes and eligibility rules are contributing to processing backlogs and confusion.