SNAP Rules November 2025: Starting in November 2025, millions of Americans who receive help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see big changes in how they qualify and keep their benefits. These updates mainly affect adults without dependents, known as ABAWD, and are part of the government’s effort to encourage more people to work or take part in training programs.
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Stricter Work Rules for Adults Without Dependents
The new rule says that adults who don’t have dependents must work, train, or volunteer for at least 80 hours every month to keep getting SNAP benefits. Before thisonly people up to age 54 had to follow this rule, but now it includes everyone up to age 64. This means more people must complete 80 hours each month or they could lose their benefits.
Officials say the change will help people become more independent and rely less on government help. But some people think it will make it harder for those with low income or unstable jobs to get food assistance, especially if they work part-time or temporarily.
Who will Qualify under the old Rules?
Families with kids, senior citizens, and people with disabilities will still get food help under the same income and residency rules. But the officials say the paperwork process will now be stricter. People will have to give proper proof when they renew or apply for benefits.
Some groups who didn’t have to follow the rules before, like veterans, homeless people, and young adults leaving foster care, might lose that automatic exemption. This will depend on each state. Every state’s SNAP office will check each person’s situation carefully before deciding if they qualify for an exemption.
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How can Current Recipients keep their Benefits?
The current SNAP users are being told to check their payment dates since deposit schedules vary by state. They should also make sure their personal details, like address, family size, and work status, are updated to avoid delays.
Officials also advise adults without dependents to follow the new 80-hour rule or join a state-approved job training program. If they don’t meet these requirements, they could lose their SNAP benefits after three months within a 3 year period.
Even with these new restrictions, the goal of the updated SNAP program remains to balance financial support with the encouragement of steady work. While the verification and recertification process will become stricter, payments will continue as usual for those who meet the new standards.
