US Expands SNAP Work Requirements

The United States federal government implemented the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expanding work requirements for the United States — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include able-bodied adults up to age 64 without dependents, and removing exemptions for veterans and the homeless. This policy change, effective November 2023, restricts benefits to three months every three years for those not meeting work, volunteer, or job training requirements. Additionally, the federal government is shifting administrative costs to states, with states assuming 75% of costs by October and facing penalties for error rates by October 2027. Organizations like the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy have studied the effects, finding that work requirements do not lower unemployment and that states like United States — West Virginia and United States — Kentucky will be disproportionately affected, with an estimated 114,000 United States — Kentucky residents at risk of losing benefits. Concerns are rising about increased food insecurity, health impacts, and the potential for some states to cease operating the SNAP program due to financial burdens.