SNAP/Medicaid work reqs: 4.3M lost/10% drop H.R.1
Key Questions
What changes does H.R.1 make to SNAP benefits?
H.R.1 imposes $187B in cuts, leading to 4.3M ABAWD recipients losing benefits through expanded work requirements of 80 hours per month up to age 65. The bill also extends rules to parents and adds 15% state error cost sharing.
How many people are losing SNAP benefits under the new rules?
Approximately 4.3 million ABAWD recipients and over 3 million Americans overall are projected to lose benefits. Participation in Texas has already dropped 14% in a year.
When do new SNAP work requirements and interviews begin in California?
California begins enforcing 20-hour work requirements and mandatory interviews for all households starting June 1, 2026. Similar rules take effect in Oregon on the same date.
What is the impact on older SNAP recipients aged 55-64?
Recipients aged 55-64 now face work requirements and have only 90 days to comply or lose benefits. A 63-year-old Hattiesburg man recently shared his loss of benefits under these changes.
How are states and food banks responding to SNAP cuts?
Texas faces $117M in added admin costs plus a $709M penalty while food banks in El Paso and across the state are bracing for increased demand. Feeding Texas has issued warnings about strained resources.
What new stocking requirements apply to SNAP retailers?
USDA rules effective November 2026 require retailers to stock at least seven varieties of staple foods. This aims to improve access but adds compliance burdens for stores.
Are there changes to how SNAP EBT cards can be used?
Louisiana now restricts EBT card use to in-state purchases and adjacent ZIP codes. Similar state-level restrictions are being discussed elsewhere to reduce fraud.
What penalties or costs do states face under the Farm Bill updates?
States must absorb 15% of error costs and face higher administrative burdens. Texas alone expects $117M in added costs plus a $709M federal penalty.
H.R.1 $187B cuts 4.3M ABAWD drop; 80hr/mo +exp to65/parents; CA/OR June1 interviews/work rules. Farm Bill adds 15% state error costs; Texas $117M admin + $709M penalty; USDA 7-variety stocking Nov2026. Human impact: 63yo Hattiesburg man lost benefits; TN food banks strained.