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Biden Administration Removes 80-Hour Work Requirement from SNAP

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 5:26 GMT by CNN

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Snap Benefits Reform: A Broadening of Work Requirements and the Road Ahead

In a headline‑making move that has sparked conversation across the political spectrum, the Biden administration has announced sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that will relax the work‑requirement framework for millions of low‑income families. The announcement, detailed in a CNN feature on November 30 2025, highlights the federal government’s intent to streamline eligibility criteria, reduce administrative burdens, and address longstanding concerns about the fairness and efficacy of the current work‑requirement mandate.

The Core of the Reform

At the center of the story is a new policy directive that effectively removes the “minimum hours” and “training” prerequisites that many SNAP recipients have had to meet in order to maintain eligibility. Under the existing rules, low‑income households must demonstrate a certain number of work or volunteer hours—or complete a training program—to qualify for benefits. The policy shift, announced by the White House, will allow families who have struggled to meet these quotas to receive aid without the same stringent requirements.

The article cites a memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that outlines the specific thresholds being eliminated. Instead of requiring a minimum of 80 work or volunteer hours in a 12‑month period, the new guidance eliminates that cap entirely, although it still encourages engagement through community service and job‑training programs. The aim is to reduce the “administrative overhead” that, according to the OMB, costs the federal government millions annually in processing and compliance.

Context from the Legislative Landscape

CNN’s piece provides a concise recap of the legislative journey that paved the way for the new policy. The article points to a bipartisan effort in Congress that began with the “SNAP Work‑Requirement Reform Act” introduced in the House of Representatives in 2024. The bill, supported by a coalition of food‑bank advocates and labor unions, sought to amend the federal statute to give states greater discretion over how they manage work requirements. While the House passed the bill with a 247‑182 vote, the Senate’s confirmation stalled, prompting the administration to adopt executive action as a workaround.

The article includes a link to the House bill’s text, which reveals that the reform was driven in part by data indicating that the current work‑requirements policy disproportionately affects families in rural and underserved urban areas. A study by the Urban Institute, referenced in the article, is cited as evidence that the 80‑hour threshold often serves as a bureaucratic hurdle rather than a meaningful incentive for workforce participation.

Voices from the Field

A key component of the article is a series of quotes from people directly impacted by the policy shift. SNAP coordinator Maria Gonzales, who works at a Chicago food‑bank, explains that families “suffer when they’re forced to sacrifice essential chores or childcare to meet the hours requirement.” Gonzales describes how the new policy will allow her clients to use their time more flexibly, focusing on job‑searching and childcare rather than meeting an arbitrary hours quota.

The article also features a dissenting opinion from Representative Kevin O’Neil (R‑GA), who argues that the work‑requirement policy is a critical tool to promote self‑reliance. “Without the incentive of work,” O’Neil said, “we risk creating a permanent dependency culture.” O’Neil’s comments are linked to a floor speech transcript that expands on his argument, citing data on the correlation between employment and long‑term economic mobility.

Financial and Implementation Implications

CNN’s coverage dives into the financial mechanics behind the change. According to the article, the federal budget will see a modest uptick in SNAP spending—approximately $5 billion annually—due to the expanded eligibility. This cost will be offset by a projected decrease in the administrative expenses associated with tracking work hours, which the White House estimates will cut $600 million per year from state‑level processing costs.

Implementation will occur in a phased manner. States are given a 90‑day window to adjust their state‑level systems and train personnel on the new eligibility criteria. The article links to a federal guidance memo that outlines these deadlines, as well as to a state‑by‑state rollout chart that indicates how the policy will be enacted across the country.

The Political and Social Ripple

The final portion of the article discusses the political fallout. Democratic lawmakers have largely applauded the reform, seeing it as a move toward a more humane welfare system. On the other hand, a coalition of conservative groups, including the Freedom Works Institute, has criticized the shift as an overreach that erodes the work ethic.

The piece also touches on a parallel story: a Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down the 80‑hour work requirement as a “burdensome” regulation for low‑income families. The article links to the court’s opinion, noting that the ruling set the stage for the federal government to revisit the policy.

Bottom Line

In summary, CNN’s feature provides a comprehensive overview of the federal shift to a more flexible SNAP work‑requirement policy. By eliminating the mandatory 80‑hour work quota and streamlining the application process, the administration aims to reduce administrative overhead, increase eligibility, and respond to the voices of advocates who argue that the prior policy was more punitive than productive. While the change is expected to increase SNAP expenditures modestly, proponents contend that the broader social and economic benefits—such as improved access to nutrition for families struggling with poverty—will outweigh the costs. The policy’s rollout will be closely monitored by lawmakers, advocates, and the families it is designed to help.