A significant overhaul to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is on the horizon, with changes set to begin rolling out on October 1. These updates are part of a proposed Senate bill titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” introduced by former President Donald Trump. According to the White House, the goal is to tighten controls, reduce fraud, and secure the program’s long-term future. However, critics are raising concerns about the impact on low-income families, warning that the cost burden may shift to states and result in reduced support.
Among the major changes are new limits on benefit calculations, tighter work requirements for adults without dependents, and revised rules affecting immigrant eligibility. The bill would also restrict how housing costs are calculated by removing internet and phone service expenses from allowable deductions. These adjustments could lower benefits for many, especially those who already struggle to make ends meet. Critics argue that the changes may do more harm than good, especially for vulnerable groups relying on SNAP.
In addition, the bill proposes a significant reduction in the federal government’s share of administrative costs by 2027, which could leave states with a bigger financial burden. While some incentives remain for states with low error rates, many worry the changes could push states to cut back on eligibility or benefits to cover the gap. Overall, the proposal introduces a new phase for SNAP—one that could deeply affect how millions of Americans receive food assistance in the coming years.
Big Changes Coming to SNAP: What’s in the Bill?
A Senate bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” backed by the Trump administration, is set to introduce sweeping changes to SNAP starting October 1. While the administration says the plan is meant to reduce fraud and ensure the program’s future, some experts say it may reduce federal spending on food assistance, placing more pressure on state governments to pick up the slack. This could result in smaller benefits, stricter rules, or even force some states to withdraw from the program altogether.
SNAP Benefit Calculation Changes
One of the most important changes centers on how SNAP benefits are calculated. The bill blocks future increases in the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)—which forms the basis for determining SNAP amounts—based on large-scale evaluations. However, annual updates linked to inflation (Consumer Price Index or CPI-U) will still take place, beginning October 1, 2025. A full reevaluation that could raise benefits is now delayed until at least October 1, 2027.
Stricter Work Rules for Childless Adults
The bill also increases the work requirements for childless adults receiving SNAP. Previously, the age cutoff for these work rules was 54. Under the new plan, adults up to 64 years old would need to work or be in a job training program for at least 80 hours a month. Exceptions will still apply to individuals under 18, those over 65, people medically unfit for work, and certain Indigenous populations. The government argues that this rule ensures SNAP remains a temporary support program for those actively trying to re-enter the workforce.
Internet and Phone Deductions No Longer Counted
Another notable change is in how housing expenses are calculated. Currently, households can count internet and phone bills as part of their housing costs, which can increase their SNAP benefit amount. Under the new proposal, these costs would be excluded. This shift could result in smaller benefits for families who spend a significant portion of their income on communication services.
New Restrictions for Foreign Nationals
The bill would also change eligibility rules for immigrant households. It proposes that foreign nationals living in otherwise eligible households would no longer be able to receive SNAP benefits. However, their income and resources would still be factored into the household’s eligibility. This change could especially affect mixed-status families who depend on these benefits to meet basic food needs.
Changes to Utility Allowance and State Funding
The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), used to estimate utility costs when calculating SNAP benefits, will now only apply to households with elderly or disabled members who also receive energy assistance. This could lower benefit amounts for many others who currently qualify under broader criteria.
Looking ahead to 2027, another key change is a cut in the federal government’s contribution toward administrative costs. Right now, the federal government covers 50% of these expenses, but under the new bill, that share would drop to 25%. States with low error rates (below 6%) won’t be required to contribute to benefit payouts, but other states may have to shoulder more costs, possibly leading to cuts in the program.
