The new law, known as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' signed into law on July 4, 2025, significantly overhauls the SNAP program across the United States.

It is projected to reduce federal SNAP spending by $186 billion over the next decade, straining state and local agencies, with California requesting additional funds to handle increased administrative demands.

States have only 120 days to implement these reforms, with a deadline of November 1, 2025, leading to chaos in administrative processes, especially in California where waivers for work requirements were abruptly canceled.

States are rushing to notify recipients, update systems, and prepare for increased demand at food assistance programs, while advocates warn that the law's implementation could worsen health outcomes and community stability.

The legislation introduces new work requirements for able-bodied adults under 65, mandating 80 hours of work, education, or training per month to retain benefits beyond three months, and raises the age for exemptions to 65.

Regions with unemployment rates over 10% may apply for waivers from these work requirements, but such areas are few, leaving most recipients vulnerable to losing benefits.

The law also restricts benefits for immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, and limits cost-of-living adjustments, making it harder for benefits to keep pace with inflation.

Exemptions for vulnerable groups such as veterans, homeless individuals, and foster youth under 24 have been eliminated, with only Native Americans receiving a new exemption.

The immediate impact of these changes will be increased food insecurity, hunger, and health risks for vulnerable populations, with food banks and community programs expected to be overwhelmed as families lose benefits.

Funding for nutrition education programs has been cut, and starting in 2027, states will bear a larger share of SNAP administrative and benefit costs, increasing from 50% to 75%, with further increases possible for states with high error rates.

As a result of these changes, over 40 million SNAP recipients, including 16 million children, face cuts to their benefits, with one in five children expected to see reductions or eliminations.