Food stamps are constantly reviewed so that authorities can determine that the funds are sent to those who truly deserve them. In that spirit, the states that administer the funds, which are in turn supplied by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensure that low-income families who depend on these payments are the true beneficiaries.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, abbreviated as SNAP benefits, is the largest federal nutritional support program designed to ensure American families don’t go hungry or are at risk of malnutrition. More than 41.2 million people in 21.6 million households receive these payments; of these, 3.2 million could lose them permanently if they don’t make an urgent change.
New SNAP benefit requirements: 3.2 million recipients at risk
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that 3.2 million Americans would lose access to SNAP under proposed changes to work requirements. The measure, included in the “Big Beautiful Act,” seeks to save $92 billion over a decade, according to official analyses.
The bill, approved by the House of Representatives, raises the maximum employment age from 54 to 64. Currently, adults aged 18-54 without dependent children must complete 80 hours per month of work or training. The reform would also lower the exemption age for dependent children from 18 to 7 years old.
According to the CBO, more than 1 million adults aged 55-64 without disabilities would be at risk of losing their benefits, in addition to approximately 800,000 caregivers of children age 7 and older and 1.4 million adults currently exempt due to legal exemptions.
All of these beneficiaries would be unable to meet the work requirements for the obvious reasons that prevent them from working. The impact would be concentrated on households with income limits adjusted for location and family size.
Current exemptions and work requirements
Those with physical or mental disabilities, pregnant women, veterans, homeless individuals, or those under 24 years of age in foster care are exempt from meeting the work requirements. ABAWDs must work 80 hours per month, combining employment and training programs, or risk losing SNAP benefits after three months of noncompliance.
The reform is facing debate in the Senate, where Democrats question its impact on food security. Organizations such as Feeding America warn of increased hunger among older adults and families with school-aged children. Advocates argue that it encourages self-sufficiency and reduces public spending.
SNAP cuts: savings outweigh benefits
The estimated savings of $92 billion (2025-2034) result from appropriation cuts and new exclusions. The bill also eliminates eligibility for people without citizenship or permanent residency, affecting 120,000-250,000 individuals with temporary immigration status, such as Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries or pending asylum.
In 2023, 42.1 million people (12.6% of the population) received SNAP, with maximum amounts varying by state and household size. For example, a single household receives up to $292 per month, while families of eight receive $1,756, according to data from the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The maximum SNAP benefits in 2025 are:
- Household size 1: $292
- Household size 2: $536
- Household size 3: $768
- Household size 4: $975
- Household size 5: $1,158
- Household size 6: $1,390
- Household size 7: $1,536
- Household size 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
The amounts increased during fiscal year 2025, which ends September 30, 2025. A new increase will be announced at that time, effective October 1 through September 2026.
