Oklahoma adjusts SNAP benefits after federal law changes eligibility rules
By Jason Burger
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Oklahoma DHS is adapting to new federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program requirements after the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduced expanded work mandates and limited exemptions for eligibility.
Under H.R. 1, also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” new work requirement rules now apply to SNAP recipients in Oklahoma.
“You’re working at least 20 hours a week, or 80 hours a month,” said Susan Baker of Oklahoma DHS.
The law raised the age limit for eligibility from 54 to 64 but reduced the number of exemptions — circumstances under which individuals could still qualify for SNAP benefits.
“Some of the changes are that some people that were previously exempt from those requirements are no longer exempt, and there are some new exemptions,” Baker said.
The expanded work requirements now apply to families with dependent children ages 14 and older. Previously, all households with dependent children under 18 were exempt.
“There’s really not an appeal for the exemptions; it’s a federal work requirement, and Oklahoma has to adhere to the federal requirements — we do have one that is an exemption for physically/mentally unfit,” Baker said.
A doctor’s note is required to qualify for the exemption for individuals who are physically or mentally unfit.
According to Hunger Free Oklahoma, the bill also eliminated exemptions for people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth aging out of foster care, who were previously exempt under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
However, DHS says there are ways to help people meet the work requirements. You can learn more about SNAP in Oklahoma here: oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/snap.html
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