The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has undergone a number of changes this year, including adjustments to the work requirements. According to the USDA, approximately 8 million seniors (ages 60+) rely on SNAP to meet their basic food needs. But the work requirements are creating some new concerns for older adults.
Under updated rules, many individuals who were previously exempt must now meet work-related requirements to continue receiving benefits. Policy experts estimate that more than 1 million older adults could lose food assistance as a result. Here is what changed (and who may be affected).
The Age Limit for SNAP Work Requirements Has Expanded
One of the biggest changes involves the age range covered by SNAP’s Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rules. Previously, many adults aged 55 and older were exempt from these specific work requirements. Under the new rules, the upper age threshold has increased to 64, bringing millions of additional Americans into the program’s work requirement system. This means adults ages 55 to 64 who do not qualify for another exemption may now need to meet work or participation requirements to maintain benefits.
Historically, seniors have been reluctant to receive assistance in the form of SNAP or other benefits. “‘Give it to someone who needs it more’ is a common refrain,” said chief communications and strategy officer at Food Bank of Iowa, Annette Hacker. “‘We got through the Great Depression, we can get through this.’”
Now, the new requirements are adding yet another hurdle, deepening the gap in seniors who may need (but won’t apply) for help.
Many Recipients Must Meet an 80-Hour Monthly Requirement
The updated rules generally require affected recipients to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities, according to AARP. These activities may include paid employment, volunteer work, qualifying job training programs, community service, or certain employment and training initiatives.
Simply searching for a job usually does not satisfy the requirement on its own. For healthy adults with stable transportation and employment opportunities, meeting the requirement may be manageable. However, many older adults face health limitations, caregiving responsibilities, transportation barriers, or age-related employment challenges that make compliance more difficult.
More Than 1 Million Older Adults Could Lose Benefits
Several organizations have raised concerns about the potential impact of these changes. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that more than 1 million adults ages 55 through 64 could lose SNAP benefits because of the expanded work requirements. AARP has similarly warned that older adults may struggle to navigate new paperwork requirements and employment expectations.
Many affected individuals are already working intermittently, dealing with health challenges, or caring for family members. Even temporary disruptions in benefits can create serious food security problems for low-income households.
Additionally, age discrimination could create even more challenges. Finding employment later in life can be difficult, even for people who want to work. According to data cited by Think Global Health, many workers over age 50 report experiencing age discrimination during the hiring process. Older job seekers often face longer periods of unemployment and may encounter physical limitations that restrict the types of jobs they can perform. While the new SNAP rules allow volunteering and training activities to count toward the requirement, locating and documenting qualifying activities may still be challenging.
Certain Exemptions Still Exist
The new rules do not apply equally to everyone. Individuals age 65 and older remain exempt from ABAWD work requirements. Additional exemptions may apply to people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and some caregivers of young children. However, some exemptions that previously applied to veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and certain caregivers have been narrowed or eliminated. Because eligibility varies by circumstance, recipients should review their situation carefully with their local SNAP office.
What Older Adults Should Do Next
Food insecurity already affects millions of older Americans. Many adults between the ages of 55 and 64 are not yet eligible for Medicare, may face rising healthcare expenses, and often have limited retirement savings. Losing SNAP benefits could force some households to make difficult choices between food, medication, housing, and utilities. Food banks and charitable organizations have expressed concern that demand could increase as more individuals lose access to federal assistance. That said, there are some steps you can take.
Adults ages 55 to 64 who currently receive SNAP benefits should not assume their eligibility remains unchanged. Reviewing work requirements, understanding available exemptions, and staying current on documentation requests may help prevent unexpected benefit interruptions. Recipients who face health limitations, caregiving responsibilities, or other barriers should contact their local SNAP office to determine whether exemptions apply.
Do you think the new SNAP work requirements strike the right balance, or could they create hardships for older adults nearing retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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