SNAP Changes Ahead: What ECE Teachers Need to Know
If you rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed yourself or your family, some important changes are coming your way. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes new rules that could affect both your eligibility for SNAP and the amount of support you receive, especially if you’re a working adult without children at home or if you’ve benefited from past exemptions.
We know this kind of information can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down the most important updates that could go into effect by the end of this year.
1. Work Requirements Are Expanding
More people will now need to meet SNAP’s work requirements to keep receiving benefits. This means:
You’ll need to work at least 20 hours per week to stay eligible unless you qualify for an exemption.
The age range for work requirements is growing. It now applies to adults age 18-64 (up from 18-54).
Some past exemptions are no longer allowed. For example, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and those who were formerly in foster care are no longer exempt.
There are fewer waivers available, especially by region.
Parents with children under 14 are still exempt (this used to apply to those with children under 18).
Native Americans (American Indian and Alaska Native individuals) are now newly exempt.
If you don’t meet the work requirement and don’t qualify for an exemption, you could be limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits every 3 years.
2. Future SNAP Increases Will Be Smaller
Historically, SNAP benefits were adjusted each October to account for inflation and reflect the real cost of food. However, that’s changing. Going forward, these inflation-based increases will be smaller, which means your monthly benefits may not rise as much even if grocery prices continue to climb. Additionally, the adjustments that once helped align benefits with the actual cost of a healthy, balanced diet are now being capped.
3. New Limits on Utility Deductions
SNAP benefits can sometimes be higher if your household pays for heating and cooling, but new limits are on the way. Going forward, you’ll only be able to claim this utility expense if someone in your household is over 60 or has a disability. In the past, this deduction could significantly boost monthly benefits, sometimes by $100 or more, especially if you qualified by receiving more than $20 per month through LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program). With the new rules, many households may see a decrease in their benefit amount.
What Can You Do Now?
If you’re currently receiving SNAP or plan to apply, and you’re not sure how these changes affect you, we encourage you to:
Reach out to your SNAP caseworker with questions about your current eligibility.
Ask about exemptions you might qualify for, especially if you’re juggling part-time hours or have children at home.
Stay informed and know that you’re not alone. These policy shifts are hitting working adults across the country, including many early childhood educators.
If you have questions or need help navigating support systems like SNAP, BOOST may be able to connect you to local resources through our Care Team. Just reach out, we’re here for you.
Want more tips like these? Stay connected with us for practical ideas and real-life resources by following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org for more help navigating personal financial challenges.