New Requirements to Receive Food Stamps Put Millions at Risk

Millions could lose access to food stamps due to new federal rules.

The requirements now demand more work hours and new conditions.

States are adjusting their implementation amid uncertainty.

Since September 1, federal changes to the food stamp program have begun to take effect across the country.

The new rules tighten work and eligibility requirements, which could leave millions of people outside the SNAP program.

States, retailers, and vulnerable communities are watching with concern the economic and social effects expected in the coming months.

New SNAP Requirements: What’s Changing

The rules maintain traditional income and resource limits but add additional conditions related to age, work capacity, and compliance with mandatory activities.

SNAP: Many people are now at risk of losing their “food stamps” due to changes to the new SNAP requirements.

Details https://t.co/AfdWy4ZQGt pic.twitter.com/AZKXPmJmBT

— Univision Política (@UniPolitica) November 19, 2025

In states such as Pennsylvania, adults aged 18 to 54 without minor children must meet at least one of the following conditions:

Work an average of 20 hours per week or earn $217.50 per week before taxes;

Study part-time or complete 20 hours in job training programs;

Participate in supervised community service.

Those who do not meet these requirements will only be able to receive benefits for three months within a three-year period, reducing the stability of food assistance.

Risks of Exclusion and Implementation Uncertainty

Stephanie Johnson, from the National Retailers Association, warned CNBC that individuals who fail to properly document their work or experience weeks with fewer hours could be removed from the system.

Johnson explained that the impact will vary by neighborhood and that many questions remain about how many people will lose benefits once the transition period ends.

State-Level Impact and Financial Pressure in New York

For the first time, the law requires states to assume part of the cost of the SNAP program.

New SNAP requirements put millions at risk – PHOTO: Canva

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Ritchie Torres warned that if the state does not cover the required funds, nearly three million residents could lose access to food stamps.

The state would need to take on an additional cost of approximately $1.4 billion annually, posing a major challenge to the public budget.

A report from the state comptroller found that one in eight households experienced food insecurity between 2021 and 2023.

How the Changes Affect Latino Households

Latino families face direct impacts, especially those with variable work schedules or informal jobs. Meeting the 20-hour weekly requirement can be difficult for people who rely on rotating shifts or temporary contracts.

Ep 119 – Changes to the SNAP program are already affecting millions of families:
18 states are beginning to restrict which foods can be purchased with food stamps.
The list varies by state… and what is allowed today may not be allowed tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/i7LdX1ZNMO

— Asi Veo Las Cosas (@_asiveolascosas) December 14, 2025

The lack of formal documentation increases the risk of losing benefits. In addition, the new framework disproportionately affects non-citizens who were previously eligible, widening food inequality in Latino communities.

Food Stamps and Diet Quality

Reduced access to SNAP can also affect nutrition, according to analysts.

Michael Goldberg, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, explained that when resources decline, families turn to cheaper, less nutritious products.

A USDA spokesperson told Newsweek that the changes took effect immediately after the signing of the bill “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and that states had until November 1 to complete implementation.

What’s Next

In the coming months, it will become clear how many people permanently lose access to the program.

Community organizations are assessing how to support families who are excluded due to the new SNAP requirements.