What SNAP Recipients Should Know About Recent House Legislation


If you or people you know rely on SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps), you may have heard about recent changes proposed by the House of Representatives. We understand this news can feel overwhelming and confusing. Our goal is to help you understand what's happening, and connect you with resources that can support you and your loved ones.
What Happened?
On May 22, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget bill called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" by a narrow vote of 215 to 214. This legislation is now being considered by the Senate, where further changes may be made before any final decisions. The bill has not been passed yet, and there are a number of Senators who remain divided on whether to advance it into law. The debate will likely extend into July, and the Senators - Republicans and Democrats - who want to rewrite the bill have only weeks to put together another bill for a vote. Until then, here’s what you should know about the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Proposed Changes to SNAP
The House bill includes significant proposed changes to the SNAP program that would affect American families over the next ten years:
Potential Benefit Reductions: The bill proposes reducing federal SNAP funding by approximately $300 billion over ten years (around $30 billion/year). This could mean states would need to find other ways to fund benefits, or potentially reduce program coverage. To help you make the most of your benefits, we provide additional resources below.
Expanded Work Requirements: Currently, adults aged 18-54 without children must work at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a three-year period. The proposed bill would extend these work requirements to:
- Adults aged 55-64
- Parents with children over age 6
Impact on Families: If passed as written, the changes could affect automatic eligibility for related programs like free school meals, summer food assistance, and WIC for some children. Currently, all children under families receiving SNAP receive automatic access to free school meals, summer food assistance (Summer EBT and Sun Bucks), and WIC.
Immigration Status Changes: The bill proposes limiting SNAP access for certain immigrants, including some with legal status such as refugees and asylum seekers. Currently, refugees and asylum seekers qualify for SNAP benefits.
What This Means for You
Important: These are proposed changes that have not become law. The Senate is currently reviewing the legislation, and the final outcome could be different from what the House passed. While we monitor these developments, it's important to know that your current SNAP benefits remain unchanged. Continue using your benefits as usual, and stay informed through official channels. We will continue to update you, and strive to be a helpful resource for you and your loved ones to navigate SNAP and maximize your benefits and savings.
What You Can Do Right Now
Regardless of potential future changes, there are a couple big steps you can take today to maximize your SNAP benefits and savings:
1. Check Your Eligibility with mRelief
Make sure you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to. Many families don't realize they may qualify for additional assistance. If you’re not sure you - or others you may know - qualify for SNAP, check out free tools like mRelief! mRelief has helped over 5 million Americans check their SNAP eligibility and successfully apply for benefits. It takes just a few minutes to get set-up and receive helpful, personalized results based on your state and county.
2. Stretch Your Food Budget with
Learn strategies to make your SNAP benefits go further while accessing nutritious foods for your family. The Krazy Coupon Lady, for instance, provides awesome practical tips, coupons, and strategies to help folks stretch their grocery budgets.
3. Maximize Your Benefits
Use tools that help you get the most value from your EBT card through rewards opportunities and exclusive discounts. The Forage app (Apple App Store; Google Play Store) is specifically designed to help SNAP recipients get more value from their benefits, like:
- Earning rewards on EBT purchases
- Safely and securely checking your EBT balance on-demand
- Finding participating stores and deals in your area
Moving Forward
We understand that uncertainty about benefits can create stress for families who depend on this vital support. While we can't predict exactly what changes may ultimately be made, we encourage you to:
- Stay informed through reliable news sources
- Continue using your current benefits
- Contact your Representatives and Senators to share your perspective
- Connect with local food assistance organizations
- Use the resources above to maximize your current benefits
Millions of American families across the country rely on SNAP benefits, and there are people and organizations working to ensure we all have access to nutritious food.
We'll continue monitoring this situation, and will share updates as they become available. In the meantime, focus on what you can control: making the most of your current benefits and connecting with resources that support your family's needs.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and reflects the status of legislation as of May 28, 2025. For the most current information about your SNAP benefits, consult official government sources or contact your local SNAP office.