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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has long been a topic of debate, with calls for reform spanning several years. Historically, Democratic administrations, including that of Barack Obama, have often been criticized for their approach to measuring the success of such programs by the number of participants. During Obama’s tenure, the Department of Agriculture even launched television and radio campaigns to promote SNAP. On the other hand, conservatives generally assess success by the reduction in program dependency.
Recognizing the importance of incentives, the Trump administration introduced a series of SNAP reforms, some of which took effect recently. These changes aim to encourage employment among those who are capable of working.
The underlying goal is clear: to motivate those who can work to do so. Many beneficiaries likely possess valuable skills that could be beneficial in the workforce. For those who might not have specific expertise, there are always community tasks such as roadside cleanup or infrastructure maintenance that can provide employment opportunities.
These new regulations are not only designed to reduce government spending but also to foster a greater culture of self-reliance by incentivizing employment. This approach aims to benefit both taxpayers and participants, creating a mutually advantageous scenario.
Starting today, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 without dependent children must work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month to be eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Those who do not meet the requirement can receive benefits for only three months within a three-year period.
The new requirements expand work rules to additional groups that were previously exempt, including adults ages 55 to 64 and parents with children ages 14 or older. The law also eliminates prior exemptions for veterans, homeless people and individuals ages 18 to 24 who were in foster care when they turned 18, according to federal guidance.
The changes stem from provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer.
In other words, there is a new incentive here: If you’re able to work, then one way or another, you’re going to. That’s a good thing. Some of these people doubtless have skills that can be put to good use. If not, well, there is always litter along the roadways and highways that needs to be picked up, and ditches that need to be dug.
But wait! There’s more!Â
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the new provisions will reduce SNAP participation by an estimated 2.4 million people over the next 10 years. About a third of those affected are able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 without dependent children, while roughly 300,000 are able-bodied adults in that age range who live with children ages 14 or older.
Beyond work requirements, the law also makes broader changes to SNAP that will affect benefit levels for many households, including limits on future benefit increases and changes to how certain living expenses are counted when calculating monthly aid, according to the CBO. Those provisions are expected to result in smaller benefit amounts over time, even for some recipients who remain eligible.
So, these new rules are saving the taxpayers a few bucks and also incentivizing people to go to work. That’s a win-win.