New work requirements tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now taking effect in several states, putting food benefits at risk for hundreds of thousands of recipients, including tens of thousands in Texas.
Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law by Donald Trump, federal lawmakers expanded employment requirements for certain SNAP recipients. The changes are already being enforced in Illinois, Texas, and Ohio, with more states expected to follow.
SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income households, helping families supplement wages and stabilize their budgets. When eligibility rules change, the consequences can be immediate.
Who is affected?
The updated rules primarily impact “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) — adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have children in their care and are considered physically able to work.
Previously, work requirements applied only to adults up to age 54. The new law expands that upper age limit to 64, meaning adults ages 55 to 64 must now meet employment or training requirements to maintain benefits.
Recipients must document at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours per week) of work, job training, or approved volunteer service.
Failure to meet that threshold triggers a strict time limit: Individuals can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they comply with the work requirement.
Recertification deadlines create confusion
In Texas, benefit loss is tied to each household’s individual recertification date, meaning families could lose assistance at different times throughout the year.
“If they do not respond within 10 calendar days, or don’t respond because the notice goes to the wrong address, they may be considered as failing to comply.”
Katherine Byers
“Different people hit their certification at different times,” said Katherine Byers, government relations officer at the Houston Food Bank. “If they do not respond within 10 calendar days, or don’t respond because the notice goes to the wrong address, they may be considered as failing to comply.”
Byers said the changes could affect more than 60,000 older Texans.
To help residents meet the new standards, the Houston Food Bank is encouraging SNAP recipients to update their mailing addresses and carefully monitor correspondence from Texas Health and Human Services. The organization is also offering volunteer opportunities that can count toward the required 80 monthly hours.
“If you need to meet the 20-hour-a-week requirement through volunteering, the Houston Food Bank can provide that opportunity,” Byers said.
