Wisconsin SNAP Work Rules Expand, Risking Aid for 36,000

New federal rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expanding SNAP work requirements in Wisconsin, putting about 36,000 residents at risk of losing food assistance benefits.[1] The changes raise the age limit for able-bodied adults without young dependents from 54 to 64 and now include parents of children 14 and older.[1][3] To keep benefits, recipients must work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month, with states notifying people through recertification letters.[1][7]

Previously, work rules applied mainly to childless adults under 55, but the 2025 law broadens who qualifies as an able-bodied adult without dependents, or ABAWD.[1][5] Options include paid jobs averaging 20 hours weekly, state-approved training programs, or workfare volunteering calculated by dividing monthly benefits by Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage—for example, $180 in aid requires about 25 hours.[1] Exemptions remain for pregnant people, those with disabilities, and parents of kids under 14, but veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth must now comply.[3][12]

For Milwaukee families, this hits hard amid rising hunger, potentially forcing tough choices between jobs, childcare, and meals.[1][7] Low-wage workers or those in training could lose FoodShare—Wisconsin's SNAP—after just three months in a three-year period without meeting rules, straining local food pantries and budgets.[3]

Wisconsin DHS is rolling out checks at benefit renewals, with letters detailing deadlines; noncompliance could end aid as early as June.[7][6] Residents should check dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare for approved programs.