SNAP rules shift as work requirements expand

As a result of the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by Congress, changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Many of the changes are already in place, and their impact is being felt by recipients in Carroll County.

Carroll County Job and Family Services Director Jennifer Burns said the biggest change for SNAP recipients is a higher age threshold and expanded work requirement.

“That’s one change in effect, the new work requirement,” Burns said.

Able-bodied adults are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period unless they fulfill a documented work requirement of 20 hours a week. That can include paid employment, job training or community service. The requirement now extends to people ages 55 to 64. Previously, people 55 and older were exempt.

“Another change is a loss of exemptions,” Burns said. “If you were homeless or a former foster youth or a veteran, those carried exemptions, but that is going away.”

Carroll County has a relatively small number of residents receiving SNAP benefits.

“We’ll have about 75 individuals in the county who will lose that exemption,” Burns said. “In terms of the new work requirement, we have about 18 individuals in their 60s who may be required to work if they don’t meet any other exemptions.”

Burns said the agency has been working to determine who will be affected and how, including identifying people who may already be working but have not reported it.

“Some are reaching out to us to let us know they are unable to work for whatever reason,” she said.

Under the new rules, SNAP benefits are eliminated for some lawfully present immigrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking. Burns said eligibility going forward is limited to U.S. citizens and certain categories, including lawful permanent residents, Cuban or Haitian entrants and COFA migrants.

Burns said the overall economic climate may be driving up the need for assistance among Carroll County residents.

“Everything is more expensive and wages aren’t increasing as fast as expenses,” Burns said. “Food costs more, so their paychecks — their SNAP benefits — aren’t stretching as far now. It’s difficult for many families and that means more families in need.”

Burns said the changes are permanent unless Congress passes new legislation.

“This will be in place until some other legislation takes over, but of course our federal government is changing all the time,” she said.

Burns said Gov. Mike DeWine tried to help as the situation developed in fall 2025.

“The governor sent money to food banks in October and November when they thought the budget wasn’t passing and SNAP would not be funded,” Burns said. “It ultimately did get funding, but Ohio sent money to try to supplement the food banks. As of now, there are no changes we’re aware of” that would mean more funding from the state.

In the meantime, residents facing food shortages can seek help through local resources, Burns said.

“For seniors, there’s Meals on Wheels from our senior center that can help,” she said. “There are local food pantries, and we see blessing boxes out around the county where people put food and anyone can take what they need. If anyone is struggling to find work, we have OhioMeansJobs on the Job and Family Services website, which can help with building a resume and going about a job search, or if they’d like to get training for a new skill.”

The Job and Family Services website is carrollcountyjfs.com. Additional information is available at ohiofoodbanks.org.