SNAP Work Requirements Expanded Under New Federal Law, Risking Benefits for 36,000 in Wisconsin

New federal rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have expanded SNAP work requirements, now applying to adults up to age 64 and parents of children over 14, putting about 36,000 Wisconsinites at risk of losing food assistance benefits.[2][4][8] To keep benefits, recipients must work, volunteer, or join job training for at least 80 hours monthly—roughly 20 hours weekly—or face a three-month limit in a three-year period.[1][2][4] The changes took effect last November, with Wisconsin rolling them out at benefit renewals via mailed notices.[8][10]

Previously, these stricter able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) rules targeted only those ages 18-54 without young kids, exempting veterans, homeless individuals, and parents more broadly.[1][6][9] The law, signed in July 2025, narrows exemptions and adds options like workfare, where hours are calculated by dividing monthly benefits by the $7.25 minimum wage—for example, $180 in aid equals about 25 hours of volunteering.[2][4] Wisconsin's Department of Health Services lists approved programs like FoodShare Employment and Training or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act courses.[4]

For Milwaukee families, this hits hard amid rising grocery costs and a tight job market, potentially overwhelming food pantries as benefits lapse starting June for some.[2][8] Low-income workers, older adults nearing retirement, and single parents juggling teens could skip meals or turn to emergency aid, straining local resources in a city where one in seven residents relies on FoodShare.[2]

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will notify affected recipients at renewal, with compliance deadlines varying; those at risk should check exemptions or document 80 hours promptly to avoid cuts.[4][8]