Do you know someone between 55 and 64 who gets help buying groceries through SNAP? They may have just lost that help, and might not even know why yet.
Starting last year, a new law changed who has to work to keep their food assistance. Before, you were exempt from work requirements once you turned 55. Now that age was pushed all the way up to 64.
“I talked to a woman who turned 55 and thought she was finally getting a break. Two months later her benefits disappeared without warning. She had no idea the age limit had changed — nobody told her.
If you’re in that 55-64 group and don’t have a disability or another exemption, you now have to work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month. Miss that, and your benefits get cut off after just 3 months.
It’s not only older adults affected. The law also removed automatic protection for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who grew up in foster care. Parents used to be exempt if they had any child under 18 at home. Now that only applies if your youngest child is under 14.
Does that mean a parent with a 15-year-old at home now has to meet a work quota just to keep buying groceries for their family? Yes, it does.
Here’s the part that really matters: the government’s own budget office predicted about 3 million fewer people would be on SNAP this year because of this law. The real number, as of March 2026, is already 4.7 million people gone from the program. That’s worse than what was officially expected, and it happened faster too.
Over 1 million of the people affected are specifically in that older, 55-64 age group who used to be safe from these rules.
“That’s over a million people who thought they had stability and suddenly don’t. Most of them aren’t lazy — they’re people who worked their whole lives and are now exhausted at an age when finding work gets harder, not easier.
| Eligibility Change | Before Law | After Law (2026) | Who’s Affected | Exemptions Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Exemption | 55+ exempt | 64+ exempt | Ages 55-63 | Automatic |
| Work Requirement | 80 hrs/month | 80 hrs/month | Both groups | None added |
| Parent Exemption | Any child under 18 | Youngest under 14 | Parents 15+ year olds | 1 year groups |
| Veterans | Automatic exempt | No automatic | Veterans | Special status |
| Homeless | Automatic exempt | No automatic | Homeless | Special status |
| Foster Care Alumni | Automatic exempt | No automatic | Foster alumni | Special status |
| Total Lost | – | – | 4.7 million (March 2026) | vs 3M predicted |
If this sounds like it could hit you, or someone in your family, here’s what actually helps. If you get a notice saying your benefits are ending, don’t ignore it, you can request what’s called a Fair Hearing to challenge the decision before benefits stop. If you have any medical condition that limits your ability to work, submit documentation for it right away, that can qualify you for an exemption. If you are working but just haven’t reported it, send proof like pay stubs to your local SNAP office as soon as possible.
Important: 4.7 Million People Already Lost Food Assistance in 2026
Most states also have a free legal aid helpline for exactly this kind of situation, worth calling before just accepting a cutoff notice.
Has anyone in your life mentioned losing food assistance this year? Did they know it was because of an age rule change, or did it come as a surprise?
Related: I Used to Struggle Paying My Bills
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or government benefits advice. SNAP eligibility rules, work requirements, and exemptions vary by state. Consult with your local SNAP office or a legal aid attorney before your benefits are affected.
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