Let’s be real: grocery shopping feels like a luxury these days. Whether you’re working a full-time job or hustling two part-time gigs, watching the price of a dozen eggs climb higher is enough to stress anyone out. If you’re one of the many hardworking Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help keep food on the table, you need to pay attention to two major updates happening right now in October and leading up to November 1st.
The Immediate Crisis: SNAP Benefits Delay Due to Government Shutdown
First, let’s talk about the immediate, frustrating news: The federal government has ordered Texas to delay November SNAP benefits due to the possibility of a government shutdown and a gap in funding.
This delay leaves many families in limbo, especially those in the “ALICE” category—people who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are people who are working but still don’t earn enough to handle high costs without help. Right now, there is no clear timeline on when the funds will be released, meaning families are sitting in a tough spot while they wait. If the shutdown continues into November, your food assistance is absolutely at risk.
The Big November 1st Rule Change
Even if the shutdown resolves, major, permanent changes to SNAP eligibility rules are kicking in on November 1st across Texas. This is all thanks to new federal law tightening work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (also known as ABAWDs).
Here are the two key changes you need to know about starting November 1st:
- Older Adults Need to Work: The age requirement for work rules is expanding. Able-bodied adults up to 64 years old must now show they are working at least 20 hours a week to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a three-year period. Previously, the age cutoff was lower.
- Parents of Teens: The age for the child-care exemption is changing. If you are caring for a child, you are generally exempt from the work rules. However, the age limit for this exemption is being lowered from 18 to 14. This means that if you are a parent of a teen who is 15, 16, or 17 years old, you may now be required to meet the 20-hour-a-week work requirement to keep your benefits.
What You Should Do Next
These changes are serious, and it means thousands of Texans will need to adjust their schedules or find a second job just to keep their families fed.
Your best move right now is to reach out:
- Call your case worker immediately to understand how the new November 1st rules affect your household specifically.
- Dial 211 to get connected to Health and Human Services and other community resources in your area.
For working families, SNAP is a lifeline, not a handout. Stay informed and don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate resources to make sure you and your family are ready for these big changes.
