Critics of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), or HR1, passed by Congress July 2025, raised concerns that the bill’s expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements would cause many Missourians in need to lose food assistance at a time when the rising cost of food and other basic necessities is becoming unaffordable for many households.
Prior to the enactment of HR1, certain adults who did not work or participate in a work program could not receive SNAP benefits for
more than three months in a three-year period. OBBB expanded SNAP’S 3-month time limit work requirement rule to include: adults with dependent children ages 14 and older, older adults ages 55 through 64, military veterans, people who are homeless, and foster youth who have aged out of foster care.
Furthermore, unclear guidance and confusion caused by the federal government led to chaotic and rocky implementation of the new rule. The 3-month time limit clock was supposed to start on November 1, but it was changed to December 1 because of the federal government shutdown.
Since October, over 40,000 fewer Missourians are participating in SNAP—that’s a decline of 6.2%. Participation has decreased every month since October.[i] Notably, November’s 2.6% decline was the sharpest monthly decrease in participation since April 2021.[ii]
Although the new 3-month time limit rule was directed toward able-bodied adults, SNAP participation among children and disabled Missourians also declined during the same time period.[iii]
Nearly half of the decline occurred among children and disabled adults.
Although it is likely too early to draw definitive conclusions, these participation declines might support critics’ claims that strict work reporting requirements make it difficult for everyone, including eligible people, to access benefits.
[i] Source: Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, Monthly Management Reports
[ii] Ibid
[iii] About 17,000 fewer children and 3,000 fewer adults with disabilities participated in SNAP between October 2025 and February 2026. Source: Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, Monthly Management Reports
