Older caregivers across the country face new challenges after federal SNAP work requirements expanded in November. The changes no longer exempt adults aged 55 to 64 and caregivers of children over age 13 from work mandates.
Carleen Hicks, a 54-year-old grandmother in Mississippi, said she relied on SNAP before the new rules took effect. She left the program in 2024 after lengthy recertification processes and the difficulty of missing work for appointments, which she said led her family to eat less fresh produce and meat.
Experts warn that the new requirements could worsen food insecurity for families like Hicks’. The rules now require adults aged 55 to 64 and caregivers of children over 13 to work 80 hours monthly or face losing benefits after three months. Recertification involves proof of work or volunteering hours, documentation, and interviews, which can be burdensome.
Advocates argue the age cutoff for exemptions is arbitrary and harmful, noting that caring for a child does not change at age 14. Gina Plata-Nino, director of SNAP at the Food Research and Action Center, said the policy wrongly shifts responsibilities overnight without considering ongoing caregiving needs.
In Mississippi, 3.3% of children live in grandparent-led households, more than double the national average. These families often face higher poverty rates but save taxpayers billions by keeping children out of foster care. Still, older caregivers frequently deal with fixed incomes, health issues, and limited access to technology, making compliance with new SNAP requirements difficult.
lawmakers passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed in July, altering SNAP rules and increasing the number of people subject to work requirements. Changes include raising the age for exemptions, removing certain exemptions, and requiring recertification every six months. Failure to comply results in benefit termination after three months.
Hicks expressed concern about the impact of these policies, emphasizing that children should not be penalized due to their caregivers’ circumstances. She said vulnerable children who have lost parents deserve stable access to food, regardless of policy changes.
