Big changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and if you or someone you love relies on these benefits, it’s time to pay close attention.

Starting October 1, sweeping updates will affect eligibility and benefit amounts—and these shifts could ripple across multiple states.

With seven major program cuts and new restrictions, hundreds of thousands of families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals are at risk of losing vital support.


SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a lifeline for over 41 million Americans each month, helping low-income households put food on the table.

In Minnesota alone, more than 440,000 people depend on SNAP. But a newly passed federal law is about to make it harder for many to qualify, and for those who do, the benefits may not stretch as far.

Let’s walk through the seven key changes, what they mean for you, and why advocates are sounding the alarm

1. Thrifty Food Plan: Less on Your Plate​

The Thrifty Food Plan is the government’s formula for how much it costs to feed a family of four a healthy diet on a budget. This plan determines the maximum SNAP benefit.

The new law will freeze the Thrifty Food Plan at its current level until at least October 1, 2027. That means as grocery prices rise (and we all know they do), SNAP benefits won’t keep up. In real terms, your monthly benefit could buy less and less each year.

What does this mean for you?​

Expect your SNAP dollars to stretch thinner at the checkout line, especially if food inflation continues.

2. Work Requirements: More Hoops, Fewer Exemptions​

Work requirements for SNAP are getting stricter. Previously, parents with children under 18 were exempt from work rules. Now, only those with kids under 14 are exempt.

That means thousands of parents—many juggling multiple jobs and childcare—will have to meet new work requirements or risk losing benefits.

Even more concerning, the law removes work exemptions for people experiencing homelessness and for veterans. However, it does add new exemptions for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Urban Indians, and California Indians.

Who’s at risk?​

Parents of teens, veterans, and people without stable housing could be pushed off SNAP if they can’t meet the new requirements.


Also read: Could your taxes go up? What to know about the new proposal tied to SNAP benefits

3. Utility Allowance: Less Help with Energy Bills​

Previously, if you received state energy assistance, you could automatically qualify for a standard utility allowance, which helped boost your SNAP benefit.

That’s changing. Now, most recipients in Minnesota will lose this automatic qualification, and only households with an elderly or disabled member can exclude these payments as income.

Translation: If you’re not elderly or disabled, your SNAP benefit could drop, and you might pay more in taxes.

4. Administrative Expenses: Less Support, More Red Tape​

The federal government used to cover half the cost of running SNAP. Now, it will only pay 25%, leaving states to pick up the rest.

For Minnesota, that’s a loss of about $39 million a year, plus $2.25 million less for outreach programs.

What does this mean for you?​

Expect longer wait times, fewer staff to help with applications, and more paperwork. Customer service and program delivery will likely suffer.


Also read: New SNAP eligibility changes take effect—here’s what it could mean for your benefits

5. SNAP-Ed Funding: Nutrition Education Slashed​

SNAP-Ed, which provides nutrition education to SNAP recipients, is being cut entirely in Minnesota as of October 1, 2025.

Last year, this program reached 1.7 million Minnesotans, teaching everything from healthy cooking to smart shopping.

Why does this matter?​

Without SNAP-Ed, families lose valuable resources to help stretch their food dollars and make healthier choices.

6. Eligibility Restrictions: Fewer People Qualify​

SNAP will now be limited to US citizens only. This change will exclude about 9,000 Minnesotans, including:

• Amerasians
• Battered non-citizens
• Certain American Indians born abroad
• Conditional entrants
• Hmong and Highland Laotian tribal members
• Individuals granted asylum or parole
• Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders
• Refugees
• Victims of severe trafficking

The impact​

Many immigrants and refugees who have long relied on SNAP for a fresh start will lose access, and the state will face higher costs for new eligibility verification systems.

7. Matching Funds: States Pay More for Errors​

States will now have to pay a share of SNAP benefits if their Payment Error Rate (PER) is too high. The higher the error rate, the more the state pays—up to 15%.

For Minnesota, this could mean millions in extra costs, which may lead to further cuts or stricter eligibility checks.

Read next: Article Social Security bump in 2026 may not help as much as you think
Have you relied on SNAP to get by? Are you worried about the new requirements or cuts? Do you have tips for stretching your food budget or finding support in tough times?