SNAP Work Rules Now Apply to Seniors Ages 55-64—Why More Than 1 Million Older Americans Could Lose Food Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) underwent several changes this year, including adjustments to work requirements. According to the USDA, nearly 8 million adults (age 60+) rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs. But job demands are creating new concerns for seniors.
Under the revised rules, many previously exempt individuals must now meet work-related requirements to continue receiving benefits. Policy experts estimate that more than 1 million seniors could lose food assistance as a result. Here’s what’s changed (and who might be affected).
Age Limit for SNAP Performance Requirements Expanded
One of the biggest changes involves the age range covered by SNAP’s Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rules. Previously, most seniors age 55 and older were exempt from these specific work requirements. Under the new laws, the upper age limit has risen to 64, bringing millions more Americans into the program’s work requirements. This means that seniors ages 55 to 64 who are not eligible for other exemptions may now need to meet work or participation requirements to maintain benefits.
Historically, seniors have been reluctant to get help with SNAP or other benefits. “‘Giving to the person who needs it most’ is a common refrain,” said Food Bank of Iowa communications and strategy officer Annette Hacker. “‘We got through the Great Recession, we can get through this.'”
Now, the new requirements add yet another barrier, deepening the gap for seniors who might need (but won’t work) to get help.
Most Recipients Must Meet the 80-Hour Monthly Requirement
The revised rules generally require eligible recipients to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities, according to AARP. These activities may include paid employment, volunteer work, qualified training programs, community service, or specific employment and training efforts.
Simply looking for a job usually does not satisfy the requirement by itself. For healthy adults with stable transportation and employment opportunities, meeting the requirement may be manageable. However, many older adults face health limitations, caregiving responsibilities, mobility barriers, or age-related employment challenges that make compliance even more difficult.
More than 1 Million Seniors May Lose Benefits
Several organizations have expressed concern about the potential impact of these changes. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that more than 1 million seniors ages 55 to 64 could lose SNAP benefits because of expanded work requirements. AARP similarly cautioned that older adults may struggle to navigate new paperwork requirements and job expectations.
Many affected people already work part-time, deal with health challenges, or care for family members. Even a temporary disruption of benefits can create serious food security problems for low-income families.
Additionally, ageism can create additional challenges. Finding a job later in life can be difficult, even for people who want to work. According to data cited by Think Global Health, many workers over the age of 50 report age discrimination during employment. Older job seekers often face longer periods of unemployment and may encounter restrictions that restrict the types of jobs they can do. Although the new SNAP rules allow volunteer and training activities to count toward the requirement, finding and documenting qualifying activities can be challenging.
Other Exemptions Still Available
The new rules do not apply equally to everyone. People age 65 and older remain exempt from ABAWD work requirements. Additional exemptions may apply to people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions, pregnant people, and other caregivers of young children. However, some exemptions that applied to veterans, the homeless, and certain caregivers have been reduced or eliminated. Because eligibility varies by state, recipients should review their status carefully with their local SNAP office.
What to Do Next Adults
Food insecurity already affects millions of older Americans. Many seniors between the ages of 55 and 64 are not yet eligible for Medicare, may face rising health care costs, and often have limited retirement savings. Losing SNAP benefits could force some households to make difficult choices between food, medicine, housing, and utilities. Food banks and charities have expressed concern that demand could increase as more people lose access to government assistance. That said, there are steps you can take.
Seniors ages 55 to 64 who currently receive SNAP benefits should not assume that their eligibility remains the same. Reviewing job requirements, understanding available exemptions, and staying current on documentation requests can help prevent unexpected benefit interruptions. Recipients facing health limitations, caregiving responsibilities, or other barriers should contact their local SNAP office to determine if an exemption applies.
Do you think SNAP’s new job requirements strike the right balance, or would they create hardship for seniors nearing retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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