With the federal government shutdown now resolved, Alabama is once again issuing food assistance payments. However, new changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now in effect — and they could make it harder for many Alabamians to continue qualifying for help with groceries.
The updates were included in major federal legislation passed over the summer. Nationally, funding for SNAP is expected to drop by nearly $186 billion over the next decade, meaning eligibility will narrow and more people will be required to reapply.
During the shutdown, some states issued partial payments while others sent nothing for nearly two weeks, leaving families confused about when their food benefits would be restored. Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed all states — including Alabama — to fully enforce the new SNAP rules beginning November 1.
Who Will Now Need to Work to Keep Benefits?
A major change involves work requirements for what the government calls able-bodied adults without dependents. These individuals must now:
✔ Work at least 80 hours per month, or
✔ Be enrolled in higher education, or
✔ Participate in an approved job-training program
Without proof of one of these activities, benefits are limited to just three months within a three-year period.
This requirement now applies to adults ages 18–64. For Alabama residents, that is a significant expansion from the previous age limit of 54.
Exemptions have also been tightened:
Parents of Teens- Exempt only if teen is underage of 14.
Veterans, Homeless, and young adults leaving foster care- Must meet work requirements.
One new exemption does apply to Tribal members and Native individuals as outlined in federal law.
According to Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, the state is currently updating its systems and notifying households whose benefits could be cut if they do not meet the new standards.
Changes for Immigrants in Alabama
New federal rules also narrow SNAP access for some lawful non-citizens in Alabama.
Eligible immigrant groups include:
U.S. citizens and nationals
Cuban and Haitian entrants
Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens
Green Card holders must continue a five-year wait unless they are under 18 or connected to U.S. military service.
Some non-citizens — including refugees and those granted asylum — will lose benefits under the new policy, according to state memos circulating nationwide
States Will Pay the Price for Errors
Starting in fiscal year 2028, any state with an administrative SNAP error rate over 6% will face federal funding cuts. Alabama’s most recent error rate was above the new threshold, which could create future financial strain on the state’s budget.
Because the shutdown disrupted normal processing, experts warn that some of Alabama’s November cases may be counted as “errors,” making it harder to reach compliance.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that roughly 300,000 people nationwide – including thousands in Alabama – could see reductions or removal from the SNAP program as states tighten their rolls.
What Alabama SNAP Households Should Do Now
Watch your mail: DHR will send notices if you must reapply or prove work hours
Report changes quickly: New jobs, address changes, or education enrollment must be documented
Seek help early: Community food banks and churches expect increased demand during the transition
rickey@rickeystokesnews.com
Text Rickey: 334-790-1729
