SNAP Resumes After Government Shutdown, New Work Requirements Loom

Wed Nov 19 2025 15:27:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Low-income households can once again access SNAP benefits, but upcoming changes to eligibility requirements will affect millions of participants.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has resumed operations following a government shutdown that temporarily halted food assistance for millions. However, participants face new work requirements that will take effect soon, significantly impacting the program's reach. The recent changes expand eligibility conditions and may reduce benefits for many recipients.

After a disruptive U.S. government shutdown, federal SNAP food assistance is again flowing to low-income households. But in the months ahead, many participants will have to adhere to new work requirements.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits, averaging around $190 per person, to approximately 42 million people nationwide. During the first weeks of November, many recipients missed their scheduled allotments as the Trump administration fought in court over funding amidst the shutdown.

Here’s what to know about SNAP:

The benefits are available across the country following disruptions

Initially, the situation was chaotic as federal funding for SNAP was halted due to the government shutdown. Some states used their own funds to replenish electronic benefit cards, while others did not.

Many states increased food charity provisions; however, demand left some shelves empty. Following the government’s reopening on Nov. 12, states swiftly processed benefits for recipients.

By the following Tuesday, all states had either loaded full November benefits onto electronic spending cards or were actively working on it, with December benefits expected to be distributed as scheduled.

Increased SNAP work requirements ahead

A significant tax and spending bill, signed into law by Trump in July, has introduced expanded work requirements for many adult SNAP recipients, mandating them to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours monthly. Recipients failing to meet these requirements risk limited benefits to three months over three years.

The new law modifies previous restrictions that applied to adults aged 18 through 54 and now extends to those aged 55 through 64, as well as parents without children younger than 14. Exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care have been repealed, and states will face limitations in waiving work requirements in areas lacking job opportunities.

While the Trump administration waived the work requirements in November, these conditions will take effect in December, expected to reduce the monthly SNAP recipient count by about 2.4 million over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Agriculture Secretary raises concerns about SNAP

In the aftermath of the shutdown, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has raised questions regarding the integrity of SNAP. She claimed the program has issues with fraud, citing instances of deceased individuals and cases of multiple benefits being issued.

Rollins suggested reassessment of all SNAP recipients, though it remains unclear if this pertains to current policies mandating periodic income verification. A spokesperson for the Agriculture Department stated that standard recertification processes are part of efforts to eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste.

Under federal law, most households must report income every four to six months and be recertified annually for SNAP. This process can extend to every 24 months for households with all adults aged 60 and above or with disabilities. States may impose stricter recertification demands, with 27 states requiring some households to fully recertify every four to six months last year, per a USDA report.