Sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
will begin rolling out in November under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,
marking one of the largest overhauls of food assistance policy in decades.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation will cut federal SNAP funding by about $187 billion through 2034.
The reforms tighten eligibility rules, particularly for adults without dependents, and shift more administrative responsibility to states.
As a result, states are preparing for higher costs and more complex oversight.
The CBO estimates that once fully implemented, about 2.4 million people will lose SNAP
benefits in an average month due to stricter work requirements, income limits, and documentation rules.
The law also expands existing work requirements, reinforcing the requirement to verify at least 80 hours of work per month and narrowing exemptions.
Supporters argue the changes promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on government aid.
Critics counter that many recipients already work in unstable or low-wage jobs and warn the new rules could increase food insecurity for vulnerable households.
