HERE IS A SUMMARY OF SNAP BENEFIT CHANGES IN 2026

CNF
12/23/25
The SNAP program is facing major changes in 2026, including stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults up to age 64, significant restrictions on purchasing sugary drinks, candy, and some prepared foods in several states, and increased state responsibility for administrative costs, all stemming from legislation passed in 2025. These changes aim to improve nutrition and tighten program integrity, affecting millions by expanding mandatory hours for work/training and limiting non-nutritious purchases. 
Key Changes for 2026
  • Expanded Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults (ABAWDs) aged 18-64, without exemptions, must now work or train for at least 80 hours monthly (around 20 hours/week) to receive benefits, with limits on benefit duration if requirements aren’t met.
  • New Food Restrictions: States can block SNAP purchases of soda, candy, energy drinks, and some desserts, with Texas implementing strict limits on added sugar content (over 5g) starting April 2026.
  • Increased State Costs: States will bear a larger share (75%) of SNAP administrative expenses, shifting costs from the federal government. 

Who’s Affected

  • Work Requirements: More people, including those previously exempt (like some veterans, homeless, or foster youth), will need to meet participation standards.
  • Food Restrictions: Beneficiaries in states like Florida, Texas, Indiana, and others will see changes in eligible food items. 
Why These Changes?
  • Passed as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in July 2025, these reforms aim to ensure “real nutrition” and combat diet-related diseases, according to officials like Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.   
1. New Restrictions on Food Purchases
Under newly approved state waivers, certain “non-nutritious” items will be barred from purchase with SNAP benefits. 
  • Prohibited Items: Commonly include sugary sodas, candy, energy drinks, ice cream, and prepared desserts like cakes or cookies. Tennessee will have new restrictions on candy, soft drinks and sugary processed foods beginning July 0f 2026.
  • Enforcement: Items identified as restricted will be automatically declined at the point of sale. 
2. Expanded Work Requirements
The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law in July 2025, significantly tightens eligibility through mandatory work or training. 
  • Expanded Age Range: Mandatory work participation now applies to able-bodied adults up to age 64 (previously 54).
  • Hourly Requirement: Recipients must document at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week) of work, job training, or approved community service.
  • Stricter Exemptions: Previous exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care have been narrowed or eliminated.
  • Parental Changes: Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older are now required to meet these work standards. 
3. Increased State Administrative Costs 
A major shift in funding responsibility takes effect in 2026. 
  • Shift in Burden: States will now be responsible for 75% of administrative expenses, a significant increase from the previous 50/50 split with the federal government.
  • Potential Impacts: This may lead to longer application processing times or reduced state-level outreach efforts due to budget constraints. 
4. Implementation Timeline
  • January 2026: Initial rollout of food restrictions in early-adopter states like Florida.
  • Mid-2026: Most states are expected to have updated their retail and reporting systems to comply with the new rules.
  • Recertification: Many current participants will see these changes applied during their next standard eligibility recertification (typically every 6 to 12 months).