House Republicans Propose Major SNAP Changes in 2025 - Benefit KarmaGraduationCap iconLearnToolbox iconResourcesCaretDown iconopen navigation menuList iconHouse Republicans Propose Major SNAP Changes in 2025 Budget PlanPublished May 20, 2025 • 4 min readTopics: Benefits in the News|Housing & EssentialsHeart iconShare this ArticleIf 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.Track all potential changes affecting your benefits by signing up for BenefitKarma today (completely free).Key Changes Proposed for SNAP in 2025The 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 ChangesWhat'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 yearsAll future updates must be strictly cost-neutral, meaning benefit increases would require offsetting reductions elsewhereAnnual adjustments would be limited to general inflation metrics, disregarding regional food price variations or improved nutritional guidelinesImpact: 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 RequirementsWho 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 categoriesTemporary exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youth under 24 would expire in 2030Age threshold for general SNAP work requirements would increase from 60 to 65 yearsStates 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 InternetWhat'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 calculationInternet service expenses—including installation fees and monthly service costs—would no longer qualify as deductible shelter expensesImpact: 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 Children4. Shifting Costs to StatesFinancial 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 costsStates with payment error rates exceeding 6% would face escalating penalties—potentially covering up to 25% of benefit costsAdministrative 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 ChangesOther notable proposals include:Immigrant eligibility restrictions: Several categories of lawfully present non-citizens would lose SNAP eligibility, reversing long-established exceptions in program rulesElimination of nutrition education: The national SNAP-Ed program focused on obesity prevention and nutrition education would be defunded entirelyEnhanced 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 programsWhat 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.Heart iconShare this ArticleRelated TopicsLatest ArticlesSome Vets Still Aren’t Getting Their GI Bill Benefits; Here’s What’s Happening7 min readAs of Now Social Security May Only Pay Full Benefits Through 20346 min readMedicare ‘Part E’ Would Let Even Non-Retirees Join Under New Bill6 minutesACA Subsidies: How Do They Work?6 minutesCan You Get a New Social Security Number? Here's How it Works5 min readPrivacy Policy|Terms of Use|Data Privacy Request© 2023-2025 BenefitKarma. All Rights Reserved., 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., Here are some of the major changes to SNAP so you can plan accordingly this year. Eligibility and Age. In order to receive SNAP benefits, there are rules of eligibility based on age..