SNAP Work Requirements Now Reach 64: 3 Proven Steps to Protect Benefits

New SNAP work requirements now reach adults up to age 64, and the rules are fully in force as the federal fiscal year starts on October 1. That essential change could affect more than 1 million older adults, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If you’re 55 to 64 and rely on food assistance, here’s what you need to know to keep your benefits.

Why the New SNAP Work Requirements Matter to You

Until recently, adults 55 and older were exempt from SNAP’s work rules. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, raised the age limit from 54 to 64. Now, many people in their late 50s and early 60s must prove they are working, volunteering, or training.

This group is often caught in a hard spot. Many lost jobs late in their careers, care for a spouse, or manage health conditions that don’t yet qualify as a disability. Missing a single paperwork deadline can cut off grocery help for years.

Key Facts and Context on SNAP Changes This October

• 80 hours a month: Adults 18 to 64 without dependents must work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours monthly (about 20 hours a week).
• 3-month limit: Those who don’t comply can only receive benefits for 3 months in any 3-year period.
• Small benefit boost: The annual cost-of-living update raised the maximum benefit for one person from $298 to $306 a month as of October 1.
• States pay more: States now cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from 50%, which may slow processing in some offices.

People 65 and older remain exempt. Adults 60 to 64 with physical or mental health barriers to work may also qualify for an exemption.

What SNAP Work Requirements Mean for You

The good news is that most people can stay eligible with the right paperwork and planning. Take these three proven steps now.

Action 1: Do You Qualify for an Exemption?

Call your state SNAP office and ask directly. Medical conditions, caring for a child under 14, or being unfit for work can exempt you. Ask your doctor for a signed note if a health issue limits your ability to work. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Action 2: Can Volunteering Count Toward Your Hours?

Yes, in most states. Volunteering at a food bank, library, or senior center can count, as can job training. Ask about your state’s SNAP Employment and Training program, which offers free skills classes. Log your hours each week so you can prove them later.

Action 3: How Can You Avoid a Paperwork Closure?

Open every letter from your SNAP agency right away. Update your address and phone number. Mark recertification dates on your calendar. With states absorbing new costs, delays are possible, so respond early rather than at the deadline.

Looking Forward: Planning Beyond SNAP

These rules arrive as financial strain grows for older households. Our coverage of senior poverty rising for a fifth straight year shows how thin margins have become. It also helps to know what the 2027 Social Security COLA forecast means if you’re nearing retirement age.

If a job loss or late-career shift has you rethinking your money plan, a coach can help you map next steps. Coached by Bukky offers coaching for money decisions and life transitions. Above all, don’t let benefits lapse quietly. A phone call this week could protect months of groceries.