The One Bigg Beautiful Bill (OBBB) law, passed by the Donald Trump administration last January, is well known to everyone, as is its (mainly negative) impact on many existing social policies. This is the case for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), which have undergone changes in their eligibility requirements and operation.
Starting November 1, 2025, federal changes will take effect in the state of Texas, affecting work requirements, new extensions, eliminations, and new requirements to access these food benefits, which guaranteed control over food poverty. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) explains that it has already begun implementing the updates across the state, and centers such as the Second Mile Mission Center have already mentioned that they are preparing for a possible wave of additional support applications.
Changes with the OBBB
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was approved by the Trump administration last January, and according to USDA data, some of its modifications took effect following the enactment of the law on July 4. Social assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the eligibility requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), have been primarily affected. These changes have been gradually adopted, and it will be from November 1, 2025, that these federal changes begin to be implemented in Texas.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a social assistance program through which families or individuals with low resources and income have access to a monthly allowance that allows them to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. On the other hand, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) is one of the eligibility requirements that have been modified in this food benefits plan.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) included adults between 18 and 49 years old who do not have disabilities and do not live with minor children. From now on, the age limit is extended to 64 years, and access to benefits is limited to a maximum of three months within a three-year period, unless they meet a work requirement or qualify for an exemption.
What changes will be experienced in SNAP in Texas?
The main changes in eligibility will be:
Prior to this modification, the requirements accepted the care of a minor up to 17 years old. Now it will not be an exemption if the child is over 13 years old.
On the other hand, homeless individuals, veterans, and young people who have left the foster care system before age 24 will also no longer be an exemption. However, new exceptions have been added, including Indigenous peoples and Native Americans.
So, what are the new requirements?
To comply with the new readability requirements derived from the law, One Big Beautiful Bill, the following is required:
- Work at least 20 hours per week.
- Participate in an employment or vocational training program.
- Actively demonstrate job searching.
- Pregnant women or those with medical conditions that prevent them from working will continue to be exempt.
This new measure is already predicted to have repercussions, as according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), it has already begun implementing updates statewide. Thousands of people are expected to lose access to this type of aid, which was used to combat food insecurity and ensure that no citizen went without a meal. Centers like the Second Mile Mission Center have already mentioned that they are preparing for a possible wave of additional support requests, as many people will not be able to adapt in time to the new requirements, thereby losing their eligibility.