Major SNAP changes in 2026 include new state-level food restriction waivers banning candy, soda, and other sugary drinks, alongside federal changes tightening work requirements for able-bodied adults (ABAWDs), affecting eligibility for some, and annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) increasing benefit amounts and deductions. These changes vary by state, with implementation dates across early 2026 for food restrictions, impacting millions of recipients nationwide.
Food Restriction Waivers (State-Specific)
- What’s Banned: Candy (including coated nuts/fruits), sweetened beverages (soda, juice drinks with added sugar), and some in-store prepared foods.
- Why: To promote healthier eating and reduce diet-related health issues, aligning with “Food as Medicine” initiatives.
- When: Effective dates vary by state, starting January 1, 2026, and continuing through spring/summer.
- Examples: Texas (April 1, 2026) and Louisiana (February 18, 2026) are examples of states implementing these.
Work Requirements (Federal Changes)
- Who’s Affected: Adults aged 18-64 without dependents under 14.
- New Rule: Must work, volunteer, or participate in SNAP Employment and Training (ET) for at least 80 hours/month.
- Time Limit: Without meeting requirements, benefits are limited to 3 months in a 3-year period.
- Key Dates: Illinois set February 1, 2026, for enforcement of these rules, with benefit loss by May 1 for non-compliant recipients.
- New Hampshire Expanded Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 55-64 are now required to work 20+ hours a week to maintain benefits, in addition to existing requirements for younger adults.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
- Increased Benefits: Maximum allotments for families increased for Fiscal Year 2026.
- Higher Deductions: Standard deductions and shelter caps also rose for most areas.
- Example: Minimum benefit for the 48 states/D.C. increased to $24.
- New Hampshire Benefit Minimum: The minimum monthly SNAP benefit will increase slightly to $24 for one or two-person households.
Other Key Points for New Hampshire Residents:
- Reduced Eligibility: Certain lawfully present non-citizens, including some refugees and asylum seekers, are no longer eligible.
- State Cost Shift: Starting Oct. 1, 2026, NH will cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs (up from 50%), forcing the state to cover an extra $5.75 million, which may impact staffing and application processing speeds.
- Tightened Residency Rules: As of July 1, 2026, NH will step up investigation of recipients making exclusive out-of-state purchases.
Key Takeaway
These changes are significant and vary by location, requiring SNAP recipients to stay informed about new restrictions and work requirements in their specific state.
The Newport AAC Food Pantry accepts SNAP recipients as pre-qualified as guests to our program.
