TAMPA, Fla. — Following the most prolonged government shutdown on record, beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have now received their November allotments.

Nevertheless, this relief will soon be unavailable to many who depend on SNAP, as new regulations are set to be implemented in Florida and other regions.

In July, President Donald Trump enacted the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which broadens the requirements for numerous able-bodied adult SNAP recipients. These individuals must now work, volunteer, or engage in job training for a minimum of 80 hours monthly. Failing to meet these conditions restricts them to three months of benefits within a three-year timespan.

Previously, these work mandates applied to adults aged 18 to 54 who were physically and mentally fit and did not have dependents. The updated legislation extends these obligations to those aged 55 to 64 and to parents without children under 14. It also removes work exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Furthermore, it curtails states’ ability to waive work requirements in regions with scarce job opportunities.

Taylour Grant of Tampa relies on SNAP benefits to care for her four children, including one child who has a disability. Grant said she was once homeless and has concerns about the impact on those who no longer qualify.

“Never judge a book by its cover. You never know what their story is. In the blink of an eye, it could be you,” Grant said.

However, many Republicans argue that the requirements are long overdue to cut spending and boost the workforce.

“It’s really important for us to put work requirements on able-bodied folks who don’t have dependents,” said Tom Gaitens, former Hillsborough GOP state committeeman.

Gaitens said he believes the move will allow recipients dependent on SNAP to build skills to get them out of hardship.

Critics have argued that the work or training requirements may hurt more people who are already struggling, which may increase the risk of hunger and poverty. 

“The goal is to get people employed gainfully in a life that’s going to help them, help their neighbors,” Gaitens said. 

A DCF estimate shows about 181,000 Floridians will lose SNAP benefits under the new requirements in place.

Critics have also shared concerns over the state’s need to increase funding to cover SNAP. 

A Florida TaxWatch analysis found the state’s payment error rate was above 15%. The state would be required to reduce its error rate below 6%.

However, supporters believe the move is necessary to emphasize accountability amid alleged fraud investigations.

In the meantime, critics question the impact.

“They’re just not thinking about the repercussions of it,” Grant said.

Starting in January, recipients also won’t be able to use their benefits to buy certain junk foods like soda, candy, and prepared desserts. 

An estimated nearly three million Floridians rely on SNAP benefits, with nearly half a million people in the Tampa Bay area receiving them. 

Recently, the Trump administration warned it will withhold money for administering SNAP food aid in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week unless those states provide information about people receiving the assistance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.