Stricter SNAP work rules leave single parents like Mara at risk of losing food aid
New work rules for food assistance are now in place across the US. The changes affect thousands of recipients, including single parents like Mara, a Minnesota mother facing unemployment. Previously, those with children under 18 were exempt—but now, only parents of children under 14 avoid the requirements.
The updated policy removes exemptions for many groups, including veterans, homeless individuals, and able-bodied adults without dependents. Recipients who fail to meet the work requirement can now only access food aid for three months within a three-year period. Critics argue the rules overlook struggles like slow job markets and the difficulties faced by single parents.
Mara, a single mother in Minnesota, lost her part-time job in August. Since then, she has applied for over 100 positions without success. With the new rules, she risks losing her SNAP benefits as early as April 1. Despite the stress, she remains upbeat for her children, reassuring them that her situation is not their fault. The Trump administration has defended the changes, claiming the SNAP programme has grown too large and no longer targets those most in need. Meanwhile, policy experts warn that the adjustments fail to account for real-world challenges, such as limited job opportunities in certain regions.
Mara and others like her now face tighter deadlines to secure work or risk losing food aid. The policy shift means more recipients must meet work rules or lose benefits after just three months. For families already struggling, the changes could make basic needs even harder to meet.
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