If you or your family use an EBT card to fill your fridge, it’s normal to hear scary news. There’s talk of new laws with strange names like “One Big Beautiful Bill,” but what matters to you is knowing what will happen when you get to the supermarket checkout and swipe your card.
Starting in 2026, the rules of the game will change completely. The government no longer sees SNAP as just financial assistance, but as a way to ensure that people eat healthier and work longer. Here I explain, point by point and without difficult words, how this will affect you.
The shopping cart: No more junk food with SNAP
The biggest change is that the government has decided it doesn’t want to pay for unhealthy foods. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the checkout:
- What will be banned? Anything palatable (just kidding!). But if you have a sweet tooth, you might have to start baking at home. From now on, forget about buying soft drinks, sweets, candy, or energy drinks with your EBT card. If the product is high in sugar or highly processed, the system won’t pay for it.However, you can still buy granulated sugar as usual, since the Government qualifies it as a pantry staple, so you can still bake cookies, cakes and brew your own iced-tea at home. It’s only the already processed foods with added sugar that are banned from the list.
- The 5-gram rule: In states like Texas, starting April 1, 2026, if a drink has more than 5 grams of added sugar, you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket. Diet Coke will probably have a spike in sales soon.
- When does it start? In places like Florida, Indiana, and Iowa, the restrictions begin on January 1, 2026.
A tip: Read the labels carefully. If you buy juice, make sure it’s natural. If you feel like treating yourself, it’s best to carry some cash with you, because your EBT card will no longer be valid for these purchases.
Work requirements: Now up to age 64
This is the change that is causing the most concern. Previously, if you were over 54, you weren’t asked for as many explanations. Now things are getting tougher:
- The new age: If you are between 18 and 64 and in good health, the government will require you to be active in order to maintain your benefits.
- The 80-hour rule: You have to prove that you are working, taking a training course, or doing volunteer work for at least 80 hours per month (which is about 20 hours per week).
- What if I don’t work those hours? You will only be given vouchers for three months. If you still don’t meet the 80-hour requirement in the fourth month, your benefits will be completely withdrawn.
- Be careful with children: Previously, if you had children under the age of 18, you were given special treatment. Now, you will only be exempt from this obligation if your children are under the age of 14.
Less help at the offices (The mess in the different states)
This is where things get tricky for paperwork. Until now, the costs of the help offices were split between the Washington government and your state (50% and 50%). But starting in October 2026, your state will have to pay 75% of the costs. What does this mean for you?
For starters, states with less money will have fewer employees to serve you; it will take longer to get through on the phone, and appointments and paperwork renewals may take months to process.
FAQs
Will they take away my card just because I turn 60?
They won’t take it away because you’re turning 60, but they will ask you to work or take courses for 20 hours a week. If you don’t, you’ll lose your benefits after three months.
How will the supermarket machine know that the juice has a lot of sugar?
The product’s barcode already has all the information. When you scan it, if the product is on your state’s “blacklist,” the terminal will say that the item cannot be paid for with EBT.
What if I’m a veteran or homeless?
You used to have some advantages, but the new laws of 2025 have removed almost all of those special protections. Now you will be asked to do the same as everyone else. Call your office as soon as possible to see if your case has any exceptions.
What can I do right now to avoid losing my benefits?
Don’t wait until 2026. If you are between 55 and 64 years old, start looking for a training course or a place to volunteer that the government will accept. And above all, keep all your papers well organized and up to date, because with the mess that is coming in the offices, you can’t afford to be missing a single signature.