If you or someone you love depends on food assistance, it’s important to pay attention. A new law is changing how the SNAP program works—and it could affect your benefits. Some people might have to work longer to qualify. Others could lose help because of mistakes in their state’s system. These changes won’t affect everyone, but they could hit certain groups hard.

Certain Americans Could Lose SNAP Benefits

Under the newly passed legislation, some of the financial responsibility for SNAP—also known as food stamps—will shift to individual states. Although the program has historically been entirely funded by the federal government, that’s set to change.

Starting in 2028, states that maintain a payment error rate below 6% will continue to receive full federal coverage for SNAP benefits. However, states that exceed the 6% error threshold could be required to contribute between 5% and 15% of the program’s costs. Some leeway will be offered in how states calculate their contributions.

The bill also modifies eligibility rules for able-bodied adults. At present, individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 must meet certain work requirements to qualify for SNAP. The revised legislation would extend this age range to include adults up to 64, although certain parents may be exempt.

Additionally, Alaska and Hawaii may be granted exemptions from the new work requirements if they can demonstrate they are making a “good faith effort” to meet compliance standards.

Who Will Be Affected by the SNAP Benefit Cuts?

The changes introduced by the new bill will not affect all SNAP recipients equally. The impact will be felt most by specific groups of people—particularly those living in states with higher payment error rates, as well as certain able-bodied adults without dependents.

States that struggle to maintain accurate SNAP payment systems may now face financial penalties in the form of cost-sharing obligations. This could pressure local governments to tighten eligibility oversight, which in turn could result in delays or reductions in benefits for residents—even if they qualify.

Additionally, the bill expands work requirements by increasing the upper age limit from 54 to 64 for able-bodied adults. This means older individuals who may have previously qualified for benefits without meeting work criteria will now be required to prove employment or participate in approved job programs to remain eligible.

How Much Money Could Recipients Lose?

The amount SNAP recipients could lose under the new law depends on where they live and whether their state meets new federal guidelines. States with higher error rates in managing SNAP payments may now have to cover part of the program’s cost—between 5% and 15%—which could prompt those states to tighten eligibility or reduce benefits. One major change affects able-bodied adults without dependents: the age for mandatory work requirements is increasing from 54 to 64.

For example, if you’re a 59-year-old who currently qualifies for SNAP and does not work due to age-related limitations or a lack of job opportunities, you may now be required to meet work criteria in order to keep your benefits. If you’re unable to meet those new requirements and your state does not exempt you, you could lose your benefits entirely. For someone receiving $298 per month for an individual in 2026, that adds up to over $3,500 in annual food assistance that could vanish. For older adults already struggling to afford groceries, the financial impact could be devastating.

What Does This Mean for You?

If states have to start paying more, they will likely become much stricter about who gets SNAP benefits. They will do everything they can to get their error rates down to avoid paying penalties. This could mean longer processing times and more required documentation for every applicant.

This could lead to a wave of administrative denials. That means you could lose your benefits not because you are ineligible, but because of a paperwork problem. A missing document, an unreturned phone call, or a small mistake on a form could be enough to close your case and cut your monthly food support.

What Can You Do?

Hearing all of this is stressful, and it is easy to feel powerless. But there are steps you can take to be prepared for what might come. Being proactive is your best defense against losing the help your family needs.

Do not wait until you get a letter in the mail informing you of a change. Start getting your information in order now. Staying organized can make a huge difference in navigating a more complicated system.

Knowing your rights and responsibilities is so important. It can help you stay on the program if you are still eligible. It can also help you find other support systems if you do lose your benefits.

Overall

These changes to SNAP may not affect everyone, but they could make life harder for many. If you rely on food assistance, now is the time to take action. Make sure your paperwork is in order. Respond to calls or letters quickly. Ask for help if you’re unsure about anything. Even small mistakes could lead to delays or lost benefits. Don’t wait for your state to tighten the rules—prepare now so you don’t get caught off guard. Staying informed and organized can help you protect the support you need.