Sweeping changes to the federal food stamp program — formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — will begin taking effect this November under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The reforms, which are projected to reduce $187 billion in federal SNAP funding through 2034, represent one of the largest structural shifts to food assistance in decades.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the updates will alter eligibility rules, expand work requirements, and transfer more administrative costs to state governments. Roughly 2.4 million Americans are expected to lose SNAP benefits in an average month once the changes are fully implemented, highlighting the significant impact on recipients across the country.

Under the new law, SNAP recipients will be required to work at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits beyond three months in any three-year period. This expanded work requirement is intended to encourage employment among able-bodied adults without dependents, while states will bear increased responsibility for administering and enforcing these rules.