House Republicans Propose Major SNAP Changes in 2025 Budget Plan
4 min read
If you're among the 40 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), significant changes may be on the horizon. House Republicans have unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of SNAP as part of their 2025 budget proposal, aimed at reducing federal expenditures and tightening eligibility requirements. Policy experts and advocates warn these modifications could substantially reduce benefits for millions of vulnerable households across the country.
The proposed legislation would restrict the frequency of benefit adjustments, expand work requirements for older adults, and reduce federal support for state-level program administration. It also includes more stringent qualification standards for utility allowances and eliminates deductions for internet expenses—factors that directly impact monthly benefit calculations. Additionally, certain categories of legal immigrants would face new restrictions on program access.
Whether you currently receive SNAP benefits or are considering applying, understanding these potential changes is crucial for your household planning. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the proposal and practical steps to prepare for possible changes.
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Key Changes Proposed for SNAP in 2025
The House Agriculture Committee's budget reconciliation proposal could fundamentally transform how SNAP operates in 2025 and beyond. The legislation aims to reduce program costs and limit eligibility—through revised benefit calculation methods and narrower qualification standards. Here's a comprehensive analysis of what's being proposed and how it might affect the millions of Americans who depend on this vital food assistance.
1. Benefit Calculation Changes
What's changing: The proposal significantly limits the USDA's authority to update the "Thrifty Food Plan," the baseline used to determine SNAP benefit amounts.
Current system: The USDA can regularly update the plan based on evolving food costs and nutrition science research—most recently in 2021, which increased average benefits by 21%.
Proposed changes:
USDA could only revise the Thrifty Food Plan once every 5 years
All future updates must be strictly cost-neutral, meaning benefit increases would require offsetting reductions elsewhere
Annual adjustments would be limited to general inflation metrics, disregarding regional food price variations or improved nutritional guidelines
Impact: SNAP benefits would increase more slowly than actual food costs over time, effectively reducing purchasing power for recipient households year after year.
2. Expanded Work Requirements
Who could lose eligibility: The proposal broadens work requirements for certain adults while simultaneously restricting waiver provisions.
Specific changes:
Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) would continue, but with narrower exemption categories
Temporary exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youth under 24 would expire in 2030
Age threshold for general SNAP work requirements would increase from 60 to 65 years
States could only request work-requirement waivers in areas with unemployment exceeding 10% (currently 8%)
Impact: More older adults between 60-65 and individuals in economically struggling regions would face work requirements to maintain benefits.
3. Reduced Deductions for Housing and Internet
What's changing: The bill significantly restricts deductions for shelter and utility costs that currently help determine benefit amounts.
Proposed limitations:
Households without elderly or disabled members would lose the ability to count third-party energy assistance toward their utility allowance calculation
Internet service expenses—including installation fees and monthly service costs—would no longer qualify as deductible shelter expenses
Impact: These changes could substantially reduce monthly benefit amounts for families who currently rely on housing and internet-related deductions to qualify for higher food assistance.
RELATED: WIC: Food Assistance for Women, Infants and Children
4. Shifting Costs to States
Financial impact on states: The proposal fundamentally alters the federal-state cost-sharing structure for SNAP.
Current system: The federal government covers 100% of SNAP benefit costs and 50% of administrative expenses.
Proposed changes:
Beginning in 2028, states would be required to contribute 5% of all benefit costs
States with payment error rates exceeding 6% would face escalating penalties—potentially covering up to 25% of benefit costs
Administrative reimbursements to states would be reduced from 50% to 25%
Impact: States might implement stricter eligibility verification procedures, potentially creating longer application processing times, reduced staffing at benefit offices, and additional barriers to access. (States are also on the hook now for reimbursing stolen SNAP benefits.)
5. Additional Significant Changes
Other notable proposals include:
Immigrant eligibility restrictions: Several categories of lawfully present non-citizens would lose SNAP eligibility, reversing long-established exceptions in program rules
Elimination of nutrition education: The national SNAP-Ed program focused on obesity prevention and nutrition education would be defunded entirely
Enhanced cross-program verification: States would be required to implement federal data clearinghouse systems to identify individuals receiving benefits in multiple states and share this information across various assistance programs
What Happens Next?
These proposals represent one component of a broader budget plan that must still navigate the full legislative process through both the House and Senate. Democratic lawmakers and advocacy organizations are expected to mount significant opposition, particularly regarding benefit reductions, expanded work requirements, and restrictions affecting vulnerable populations.