🚨 SNAP 2026 Bombshell: Soda & Candy Banned, Tougher Work Rules Hit Millions – Are YOU Losing Benefits?

For low-income families and individuals, the federal government offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps. This program is run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) into law on July 4, The year 2025, and as a result, SNAP is going through major changes in 2026.

To promote self-sufficiency and reduce program costs, this act (also known as H.R. 1) adds more stringent employment requirements, purchasing restrictions in some states, eligibility constraints, and administrative adjustments.

This revision significantly broadens the scope of earlier revisions, such as those made by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. These modifications are already impacting millions of recipients across the US and will continue to do so until January 3, 2026.

Opponents of the changes say they might make food insecurity worse, especially in recessions, while supporters say they boost employment and healthier eating choices.

This page delves into the main changes, answering frequently asked questions, outlining requirements, and offering practical advice.

What States will be Impacted and When?

This year 2026, the USDA reports that at least 18 states will make adjustments to SNAP.

Beginning on Thursday, January 1, the states of West Virginia, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, and Indiana will implement purchasing restrictions, as reported by the USDA. 

State	Start Date	Restricted Items
Indiana	January 1, 2026	Soft drinks, candy
Iowa	January 1, 2026	Soda, candy, some prepared foods
Nebraska	January 1, 2026	Soda, energy drinks
Utah	January 1, 2026	Soda, soft drinks
West Virginia	January 1, 2026	Soda, soft drinks
Florida	April 20, 2026	Soda, energy drinks, candy, prepared desserts
Other States (e.g., Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, Hawaii, South Carolina, North Dakota, Missouri, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana)	Varies (March to October 2026)	Primarily soda, sweetened beverages, energy drinks, candy; specifics differ by state

March brings changes to the states of Colorado, Texas, Virginia, and Florida; April brings changes to Arkansas and Tennessee; August brings changes to Hawaii and South Carolina; North Dakota sees a shift in their SNAP eligibility; and October brings a shift to Missouri. The states of Idaho, Oklahoma, and Louisiana will see the changes first.

SNAP’s New Changes in 2026

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” and different waivers at the state level led to SNAP changes that will take effect on January 1, 2026.

This reform has an effect. 1. Job duties, 2. Qualifications needed. 3. Approved food items for purchase through the program. 

Here are six major SNAP changes that are going into effect today; one of them might completely deplete your balance.

What changes can be seen in SNAP benefits?

From October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, is the period of the federal fiscal year known as 2026

Both gross monthly income (total income before deductions) and net monthly income (income after permissible deductions) are typically used to determine SNAP income eligibility.

Limits on Federal Income (All 48 States + DC)

Gross income must be less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and net income must be less than 100% of the FPL, for the majority of households to qualify.

Size of the Household

• Monthly Gross Income (at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level)
• Earnings Per Month (at 100% FPL)
• 1- $3,305 nmi – $1,696 gmi
• $1,763 – $2,292 gmi
• 3-$2,221 nmi – $2,888 gmi
• 4-$3,483 for GMI and $2,680 for NMI
• Five minus GMI $4,079 plus NMI $3,138 plus GMI $4,675 plus NMI $3,596
• 7-$4,055 – gmi $5,271nmi
• 8 times gmi $5,867 plus nmi $4,513

For every extra member, add $596 plus $459

Vital Factors to Think About in 2026

State Differences:

A family of three in Washington or California would be subject to a greater gross income limit of $4,442 since many states employ “broad-based categorical eligibility” to establish higher limitations, frequently reaching 200% of the FPL.

Important Guidelines:

Typically, households that include an older person (60+) or a disabled person simply need to meet the net income requirement.

Bottom line:

After deducting certain items from your earned income, such as a standard deduction ($209-$299 depending on size), 20% of earned income, and specific childcare and medical expenses, you will have your net income.

Limits on Assets:

Also, most families can’t have more than $3,000 in total countable assets; however, those with a handicapped or elderly family member can have up to $4,500.

National SNAP Updates for 2026

1. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

For fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026), benefits, income limits, and deductions have been adjusted for inflation under the Thrifty Food Plan. These apply across the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (higher in Alaska/Hawaii).

Maximum Monthly Benefits

Actual amounts vary by household income and deductions.

Income Limits

Households need gross income ≤130% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and net income ≤100% FPL (after deductions like 20% earned income, standard utility allowances, childcare, and medical costs over $35 for elderly/disabled).

Asset Limits

Most households: ≤$2,750 in countable assets (e.g., cash); ≤$4,250 if elderly (60+) or disabled. Homes/vehicles usually exempt.

Deductions

• Standard: $209 (1-3 persons), $225 (4), $265 (5), $306 (6+).
• Shelter cap: $744.
• Medical: Over $35/month for eligible groups.

2. Tighter ABAWD Time Limits and Work Requirements

OBBBA expanded ABAWD rules (for adults able to work without dependents), effective immediately upon signing but fully enforced by January 2026 in many states. ABAWDs can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 36-month period unless meeting requirements—tighter now with removed exemptions and broader application.

• Age Range: Now 18-64 (up from 18-54).
• Time Limit: 3 months of benefits in 36 months without compliance.
• Requirements: Work, train, or volunteer 80 hours/month (20 hours/week average).
• Removed Exemptions: Veterans, homeless individuals, former foster youth (up to 24), and those in high-unemployment areas (waivers harder).
• Parent Changes: Parents exempt only if youngest child <14 (previously <18).
• Other Exemptions Remain: Pregnancy, disability, caring for incapacitated person, students.
• State Discretionary Exemptions: USDA allocates new exemptions annually (e.g., FY2026 memos issued Dec 2025); states can use for high-need areas.
• Impacts: Affects ~1-2 million; non-compliance leads to benefit loss after 3 months. States provide notices; appeals available.

States can request waivers for high-unemployment zones, but OBBBA limits them.

SNAP benefit changes in South Carolina

The most important modifications to SNAP in South Carolina are these:

1. The Ban on “Junk Food” (Lately Approved)

The federal government has given South Carolina the green light to outlaw using SNAP funds to buy sugary drinks, soda, and energy drinks, but the restriction will not be effective until tomorrow.

* Pursuant to South Carolina’s plans, full enforcement is expected to begin on August 31, 2026.

What this implies for the here and now is that these things can still be purchased with your EBT card. To modernize their payment methods, the state is presently collaborating with merchants.

2. Beginning Today, Work Requirements Will Be Expanded

With today’s implementation of the new federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” South Carolina is enforcing harsher job requirements. 

These factors primarily influence the process of applying for or recertifying your benefits:

Evaluation Standards

The age limit has been raised from 54 to 64 for adults who do not have any dependents. Previously, the age limit was 54.

Previously, parents who had minor children were frequently exempt, a practice known as the “Child Under 14” Rule. Currently, these job regulations do not apply to you unless your youngest child is less than fourteen years old.

* The Rule: If you want your benefits extended beyond three months, you have to put in 80 hours a month at your job, volunteering, or training.

3. Revised Amounts Due Each Month

For the fiscal year of 2026, South Carolina’s benefit amounts have been revised.

Monthly allotments can now be as follows: * 1 Person: $298 * 2 People: $546 * 3 People: $785 * 4 People: $994

4. Expanded Income Caps

The following amounts are typically required to be paid each month by a household in order to be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in South Carolina: $1,696 for a one-person household

* Two-person household: $2,292 * Three-person household: $2,888 * Four-person household: $3,483

In Summary

Driven by OBBBA’s focus on work and nutrition, the 2026 SNAP amendments signify a significant move toward more responsibility and fiscal restraint.

Despite the fact that these might promote better lifestyles and more work, they put vulnerable populations at greater risk of experiencing more hardship, particularly in states where job prospects are scarce or where costs are high.

Since each state has its own unique implementation, recipients should get in touch with their local SNAP offices for specific instructions.

For the time being, adaptability is crucial to preserving access to this essential safety net; nevertheless, if economic circumstances deteriorate, policymakers may reevaluate these adjustments.

FAQs

1. When will the new job requirements be in effect?

Answer: Phasing in began in July 2025 for the majority of states, and by January 2026, several had fully enforced the laws for those aged 55 to 64. For precise dates, contact the USDA office in your state.

2. Do junk food items still qualify for SNAP benefits?

Yes, in states where waivers are not mandated. Beginning in 2026, banned commodities such as drinks and sweets will be blocked in the 18 states that have granted the waiver.

3. What happens if my benefits are reduced even though I am exempt?

A: Submit an appeal to the appropriate state agency without delay. For example, you may need to produce proof of caregiving or medical documents.

4. In 2026, will there be an increase in SNAP benefits?

A: The Thrifty Food Plan only allows for inflation adjustments, so any increases could be small compared to previous years.