Federal Law Forces SNAP Work Expansion Here

A new federal law is expanding work requirements for SNAP benefits nationwide, forcing more Wisconsinites to work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep food assistance. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 raises the age limit to 64 for able-bodied adults without young dependents and ends exemptions for parents of teens aged 14 and older, veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth. In Wisconsin, this risks cutting benefits for about 36,000 residents who don't comply, with proof due by March 1 and losses starting May 1.[1][2][4]

Previously, SNAP work rules applied mainly to adults 18-55 without kids under 18, allowing three months of benefits in a three-year period without meeting the threshold. The law, signed by President Trump in 2025, tightens this by including more groups and limiting state waivers unless unemployment tops 10%, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congressional Budget Office projections of over 2 million nationwide losses and $186 billion in cuts through 2034.[2][3][5]

For Milwaukee families, these changes hit hard amid rising grocery costs, potentially forcing tough choices between jobs, meals, and meds—especially for older workers and struggling parents. Local food pantries could see surges in demand as benefits lapse, straining resources in a city where 1 in 8 residents relies on SNAP, according to Federal Reserve data on food insecurity.[3][7]

State agencies urge eligible Wisconsinites to update info via ACCESS portals, submit pay stubs or volunteer forms, or check exemptions like pregnancy and disability. Non-compliance triggers a three-month benefit clock, but working 80 hours over 30 days can restore aid.[4][5]