MILLIONS OF SNAP BENEFIT RECIPIENTS RISK A REDUCTION OR TOTAL LOSS OF BENEFITS IN FEBRUARY DUE TO STRICTER FEDERAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

CNF

2/1/26

 

Millions of SNAP food stamp recipients risk losing or seeing reduced February 2026 benefits due to new, stricter federal work requirements taking effect February 1, 2026, targeting able-bodied adults aged 18–65 without dependents. These changes mandate 80 hours of work or training per month and reduce exemptions, impacting millions, with some states implementing these rules differently.

  • Expanded Work Requirements: Starting February 1, 2026, the age for work requirements increases to 65 (previously 55) for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
  • Reduced Exemptions: Parents with dependents are only exempt if their children are under 14, reduced from under 18.
  • Who is Affected: Individuals failing to meet the 80-hour monthly work requirement, including many veterans and previously exempt, may lose benefits.
  • California EBT Changes: In California, a system upgrade to new, more secure chip-enabled EBT cards could lead to temporary, local, or user-specific interruptions. There is no chip-enabled Food Stamp card currently proposed for Tennessee.
  • State Variability: While many states apply these rules on Feb 1, some have waivers based on high unemployment rates. As of late 2025, Tennessee does not have a statewide waiver for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements based on high unemployment for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). ABAWDs (ages 18-64) must work 80 hours a month or participate in training, though exemptions exist for health issues, receiving unemployment, or having children under 14. Tennessee received federal approval for a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to restrict SNAP benefits from purchasing certain junk foods, such as soda, candy, and energy drinks, effective in 2026, not February 2026. The waiver also expands eligibility to include some prepared foods like rotisserie chicken.
Key Details on the Waiver
  • Items Restricted: Processed foods and beverages with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar as a primary ingredient, including soda, candy, and energy drinks.
  • Items Allowed: The waiver expands options to allow the purchase of hot, prepared foods, such as rotisserie chicken.
  • Timeline: The approved waiver is for a two-year demonstration project, expected to take effect in 2026 once state rules are finalized, with some reports indicating July 31, 2026, as the start date.
  • Purpose: The goal is to improve nutrition by limiting the purchase of, sugary, low-nutrient foods. 

It is important to note that the ABAWDs restrictions are starting in February 2026, but the other changes

are part of a broader, 18-state initiative starting later in 2026.

Action Required:


Recipients should INDIVIDUALLY check their state’s Department of Health and Human Services (or equivalent) for specific, localized information if you have any questions regarding your SNAP benefits. Ensuring annual or semi-annual reports are up to date is crucial to avoid automatic suspensions.