HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi – Significant changes to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Able-Bodied Adults will take effect on November 1, 2025. These adjustments are mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, and are expected to impact thousands of Hawaiʻi households currently receiving SNAP benefits.
SNAP provides food purchasing assistance to low-income households, with an estimated 84,869 households (165,659 people) currently participating in Hawaiʻi.
Key Changes to Able-Bodied Adult Work Requirements:
The OBBBA introduces several critical modifications:
- Expanded Age Range: The age range for Able-Bodied Adults subject to work requirements will change from 18-54 to 18-64.
- Households with Older Children: Households with dependent children aged 14 and older will now also be subject to these work requirements.
- Loss of Exemptions: Individuals who are homeless, veterans, or youth aged 18-24 transitioning out of foster care will no longer be exempt from these work requirements.
The state Department of Human Services estimates these changes will potentially impact approximately 16,000 individuals aged 55-64 and 10,000 households with a dependent child aged 14 or older, in addition to the newly non-exempt groups.
SNAP household members should be prepared to discuss these new requirements during their initial application or recertification interview.
Understanding “Able-Bodied Adults” and Work Requirements:
The term “Able-Bodied Adults” refers to individuals without dependents who are not pregnant, do not have a physical or mental disability, are not receiving disability benefits, and are not participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program…