SNAP Benefits Just Got a Boost—Learn About the New Age and Work Requirements

If you’re a user of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you may notice a slight increase in your benefits this month.

These cost-of-living adjustments are designed to help offset rising prices, but they also come with changes to age requirements that impact some recipients.

Let’s break down what these changes mean for you and how you can maximize your benefits.
 

What’s Changing with SNAP?

Starting this month, SNAP benefits are increasing marginally for most households.

For instance, the net monthly income eligibility threshold for a family of four has risen from $2,500 in Fiscal Year 2024 to $2,600 for Fiscal Year 2025.

Households in Alaska, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and Guam will receive higher allotments due to elevated food costs in those regions.

To find out how much your benefits might change, visit the USDA SNAP Benefits page here.
 

Changes to the Age Requirement

One significant change is the rise in the age considered to be an “able-bodied adult without dependents” (ABAWD).

This age has been raised from 52 to 54, marking the last piece of the Fiscal Responsibility Act—a result of the negotiations around the debt ceiling earlier this year.

If you fall into this category, the rules now require you to either work at least 80 hours per month or be enrolled in an education or training program to remain eligible for benefits.

These work requirements are set to stay in place until 2030, giving recipients time to adjust but requiring more effort to maintain benefits.

For more details on how this may affect you, visit the SNAP Work Requirements Overview here.
 

What Do These Changes Mean for You?

While the benefits increase may seem small, every dollar counts when managing a household budget.

The income eligibility changes may also allow some families who were previously ineligible to now qualify for SNAP.

For those nearing the new age threshold of 54, it’s crucial to be aware of the work or training requirements, as failing to meet them could result in a loss of benefits.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for SNAP, visit the SNAP Eligibility Guide here.

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