Under the new law, this requirement now applies to individuals up to age 65, significantly broadening the group subject to these conditions.
Exemptions remain for those who are physically or mentally unable to work, as confirmed by federal guidelines. However, other long-standing exemptions have been eliminated—including for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youth under age 25.
For parents, the threshold has also shifted: only those with children aged 13 or younger will be exempt from work requirements. Parents of older teens no longer qualify for this protection.
States may still request waivers in areas with unemployment rates of 10% or higher. Alaska and Hawaii receive automatic consideration if their unemployment reaches 150% of the national average.
Tighter Rules for Immigrant Eligibility
The reforms also narrow access for non-citizens. Under prior law, certain long-term residents—including those admitted before June 30, 1948, individuals granted deferred deportation, or those entering under federal parole—could qualify for SNAP.
The new legislation eliminates most of these pathways, restricting eligibility primarily to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs). A limited number of humanitarian exceptions remain, but many undocumented and legally present immigrants will lose access.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) estimates that approximately 90,000 individuals per month will become ineligible due to these changes.
The White House has defended the policy, stating:
