Nearly 45,000 SNAP beneficiaries set to be impacted by new legislative change starting March 1 - Check out who loses the exemption and who qualifies as an ABAWD

Nearly 45,000 beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nevada are expected to be affected by a new legislative change, which was enacted in July 2025 under One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), taking effect on March 1. The update will alter eligibility rules, leading some recipients to lose long-standing exemptions. Others may now be classified as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), a group subject to stricter work requirements to continue receiving benefits. State officials say the change is part of a broader effort to align with federal SNAP rules. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review the updated guidelines to understand how their benefits may be impacted and what steps they may need to take.

According to Futbolete, the legislation updated rules for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), a category already within the program but now expanded. Previously, ABAWDs had to work or train at least 20 hours weekly to receive benefits beyond three months in three years. The new law extends these requirements to groups that were previously exempt. The US Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program nationwide, directed states to begin enforcing updated rules on November 1, 2025, as reported by Futbolete, though timelines differ by state. Nevada chose March 1, 2026, as its start date.

WHO LOSES SNAP EXEMPTION IN NEVADA

The Nevada Division of Social Services is managing the rollout and notifications. About 44,700 of Nevada’s 505,500 SNAP recipients - roughly 8.8% - are expected to lose eligibility, as reported by Futbolete, placing the state among those most affected by the changes.

Under the new rules, three previously protected groups will lose their exemptions from ABAWD work requirements. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth will now be subject to the same employment or training conditions as other beneficiaries in this category.

Additionally, beneficiaries must accept suitable job offers unless they have a valid reason to decline. Those who are already employed are also prohibited from quitting or reducing work hours without good cause if they work at least 30 hours per week or earn $217.50 or more weekly.

WHO QUALIFIES AS AN ABAWD IN NEVADA

Under the updated policy, as reported by Futbolete, an individual qualifies as an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) only if several conditions are met at the same time. The person must be between 18 and 64 years old, not live with a child under 14, not be pregnant, not care for someone unable to care for themselves, and have no physical or mental condition that limits work ability.

Those who meet all criteria must satisfy work or training requirements to receive benefits beyond three months. According to Futbolete, a major change affects parents: previously, anyone with a dependent child under 18 was exempt. Now, parents whose youngest child is 14 or older must also meet employment or training rules to keep benefits.