Nearly 750,000 Adults Could Lose Their SNAP Benefits as a Result of the Debt Ceiling Deal

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The newly signed debt ceiling bill includes updates to work requirements for SNAP. Find out how thousands of childless adults in their 50s could be impacted. 

Congress recently reached a debt ceiling agreement, which President Biden signed into law. This deal increases the federal debt limit and establishes new discretionary spending limits. Unfortunately, some changes in the bill could harm some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Due to these program updates, nearly 750,000 adults could risk losing their benefits. Here’s what you need to know about this news.

The debt deal changes work requirements for SNAP

If you’re a childless adult in your 50s and currently receive SNAP benefits, you’ll want to know about the updated work requirement outlined in the debt ceiling bill. New work requirements could put some recipients at risk of losing their SNAP benefits. Since older adults often struggle to find employment, this change could devastate many who struggle to afford food.

Work requirements limit the availability of SNAP benefits. Existing work requirements are in place for most childless adults between 18 and 49. Most adults without children can only receive SNAP benefits for three months during a three-year period unless they document that they’re working 20 hours per week, are in a job training program for 20 hours per week, or qualify for an exemption, such as a work-limiting disability.

The recently passed debt ceiling bill will require more adults to satisfy these work requirements.

Childless adults aged 50 to 54 will be subject to work requirements over time. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, these changes could impact nearly 750,000 adults. Nearly half of those who would be newly at risk of losing benefits are women.

Older adults won’t be impacted right away. The law will gradually be phased in by age. All of the changes included in the bill are effective through Oct. 1, 2030. If you’re in your 50s and rely on this food assistance program for support, you’ll want to consider how these changes could impact your checking account in the future if you’re unable to find work.

But the bill isn’t bad news for all SNAP recipients. Thanks to other changes outlined in the bill, some Americans will no longer be subject to work requirements — including adults experiencing homelessness, veterans, and adults aged 18 to 24 that had spent time in foster care.

Use alternative resources if you’re at risk of losing benefits

If you’re worried about how this law could impact your SNAP eligibility, you should know that help is available elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to use other resources in your community if you’re struggling.

Food banks are one option to explore. The nonprofit Feeding America has a tool on its website that you can use to find your closest food bank. Another option is to check with community centers, churches, and schools to see if they offer food assistance.

Some towns and cities have little free pantries available to provide food to those in need. Community members stock them with food essentials and you can visit these pantries to get free food. You can look for a little free pantry in your area at littlefreepantry.org.

Using resources like these can make putting food on the table easier. Don’t neglect free resources, as they can make it possible for you to stretch your money further as you work on other personal finance goals. Keep in mind that while you may be going through a challenging time right now, your current situation doesn’t have to be forever.

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