Federal changes to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are starting to affect families with teenage children. In Minnesota, some recipients could be at risk of losing food assistance as early as April 1, depending on their circumstances and when they must recertify eligibility.
What changed — and why families with kids 14 and older are affected
Previously, households with children under 18 were commonly exempt from the rule requiring recipients to work, volunteer, or participate in job training to keep benefits. Under the updated policy tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that exemption now applies only to households with children under 14.
In practice, parents with teens may need to document at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity to avoid time limits on SNAP.
Mara’s situation: unemployment, 100+ applications, and bills that can’t wait
Mara, a single mother in Minnesota, is navigating job searching and rising financial pressure at the same time. She lost her part-time administrative assistant job in August due to a restructuring. Since then, she estimates she has applied to more than 100 positions, attended job fairs, and used free resume workshops.
Her youngest child turned 14 in December, which places her in the group that may no longer qualify for the broader exemption. She has relied on SNAP to bridge gaps when wages fall short or work disappears.
How the rule rolls out in Minnesota — and why April 1 matters
The implementation timeline varies by state and, in some cases, by county. In Minnesota, recipients who don’t qualify for an exemption or fail to meet the requirements could face benefit loss as early as April 1. Others may have more time depending on when they next need to recertify.
The time limit for those who don’t meet the requirement
If recipients cannot meet the monthly requirement, SNAP may be limited to three months of benefits within a three-year period. Policy analysts warn this structure may not reflect unstable low-wage work, slow hiring cycles, or caregiving responsibilities that reduce available hours.
Another hurdle: food pantries and special dietary needs
During earlier disruptions in November, Mara relied on food banks but encountered common challenges: pantries may not provide enough for an adult and two teenagers, and specialized foods are not always available. Her daughter needs gluten-free food because of an autoimmune condition, and these items often cost more.
What federal estimates say about the impact
An official estimate cited in the report projects that about 2.4 million people could lose SNAP in a typical month over the next decade due to the changes. Within that group, an estimated 300,000 are parents with children 14 or older.
More groups included — and tighter rules for unemployment-area waivers
The updated policy also applies work requirements to additional groups, including veterans, people experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, and able-bodied adults without dependents ages 55 to 64.
It also tightens the criteria for waiving work requirements in high-unemployment areas. In general, the threshold is an unemployment rate above 10% (with a different measure for Alaska and Hawaii), reducing flexibility for weaker local labor markets.
What SNAP/EBT recipients should check now
- Youngest child’s age: if your youngest is already 14, your status may change.
- Recertification timing: your renewal schedule may determine when the rule affects you.
- Monthly hours records: keep proof of 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or training, if applicable.
- Exemptions: confirm whether health, disability, or other qualifying conditions apply.