Jan 19, 2026
After the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown, a stretch that left about 1.4 million federal workers unpaid, disrupted food supplies for low-income Americans and threw air travel into chaos, Washington is finally back open for business.
The Republican-controlled House passed a new funding bill, 222–209, with six Democrats crossing the aisle (1). The 328-page package keeps most federal agencies running through January 30 and fully funds SNAP along with the Department of Agriculture, Congress and Veterans Affairs through next September.
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But tucked into the bill is a major shift: SNAP will now operate under stricter eligibility rules (2).
Under the new requirements, any able-bodied adult ages 18 to 65 who doesn’t have children under 14, isn’t disabled and doesn’t work at least 20 hours a week could lose access to food assistance entirely.
For people like Nelson Scott, 38, from Tennessee, the change is devastating. He has no disability, no children, isn’t in school and currently has no job.
“That’s some bullsh--t," he told FOX 17 News (3). "Man, I'm devastated, actually.'"
The question now is whether this is what accountability looks like or if it punishes people who are already on the edge.
Who gets left behind?
For Scott, the new requirements feel like a door slamming shut. His SNAP benefits, about $292 a month, cover most of his food budget.
But some counter, saying the updated rules are long overdue.
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“A 15- or 16-year-old can take care of their stuff at home while you go to work,” said Rick Williams, a conservative political analyst. “There’s no reason you can’t be working. There are plenty of jobs out there.”
Scott insists that for people like him, it isn’t that simple. As a convicted felon, he says employers rarely look past his record.
"I would get one if y’all get me one,” he said. “Y’all be felony-friendly, hire us.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is pressing forward. After President Trump signed the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill in July, states were ordered to adopt the stricter SNAP rules. The shutdown may have pushed the original November 1 deadline, but the policy is still moving ahead.
More than 41 million Americans rely on SNAP to buy groceries (4). Last year, the average household received about $332 a month or roughly $177 per person, with most benefits flowing to those facing the steepest challenges. In 2023, 83% of all SNAP aid went to households with children, seniors or people with disabilities (5).
Advocates warn the new restrictions will hit hardest where the safety net is already thin.
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“Because of rules like this, we are going to see individuals who are going to be forced to skip meals," said Signe Anderson, Senior Director of Nutrition Advocacy at the Tennessee Justice Center.
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Navigating the new rules
For a lot of households, that shift raises real questions. What counts as volunteering? Does part-time, seasonal or gig work qualify? What if you’re applying for jobs but haven’t secured one yet?
State agencies stress that documentation matters. Pay stubs, schedules, volunteer logs and training program letters can help you maintain eligibility. If you’re struggling to find work, local workforce development centers and nonprofit job-training programs can help you meet the hourly requirement while you search.
You can appeal immediately if you receive a notice you believe is incorrect. Many counties offer free legal aid or SNAP navigators who can walk you through the process and help you understand what options you still have (6).
If you’re in a position to give back, local food banks and community pantries are bracing for an uptick in demand, especially as the holiday season approaches. One of the most meaningful ways donors can help is by supporting these frontline organizations directly.
Monetary donations allow food banks to purchase exactly what’s needed at bulk prices, but shelf-stable items, toiletries and fresh produce are always in short supply. Even small contributions such as a bag of groceries, a few dollars or a couple of volunteer hours can help fill the gap for families who suddenly find themselves without benefits.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
BBC (1); News Channel 9 (2); Karen Aguilar (3); Economic Research Service - USDA (4); Food and Nutrition Service - USDA (5); National Council on Ageing (6) .
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Victoria Vesovski is a Toronto-based Staff Reporter at Moneywise, where she covers the intersection of personal finance, lifestyle and trending news. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a postgraduate certificate in Publishing from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s degree in American Journalism from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Her work has been featured in publications including Apple News, Yahoo Finance, MSN Money, Her Campus Media and The Click.
