New SNAP Work Requirements Took Effect Dec. 1

Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you are aware of recent changes to SNAP eligibility requirements that may affect families in Grand Rapids and Wyoming. These changes were included in the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed earlier this year and took effect on Dec. 1.

Effective Dec. 1, some adults ages 18–64 will now need to meet monthly work requirements to continue receiving SNAP. This applies to able-bodied adults without dependents, as well as to adults with children age 14 or older.

SNAP recipients should have been notified about these changes via their MI Bridges account last week. For full details, please visit the MDHHS website.

SNAP recipients can meet the requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Employment

• Work 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week); or
• Earn at least the equivalent of 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage.

  Work can include traditional employment, self-employment, in-kind work (work done in exchange for goods or services) or volunteer work.

2. Self-Initiated Community Service

• Complete unpaid work at a nonprofit organization. Note that required hours are based on your household’s monthly SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

3. Michigan Works! Employment & Training

• Participate 80 hours per month in approved job-training programs. Workfare hours are based on your monthly SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

To report work hours, contact your local MDHHS office at 1 (844) 464-3447 or visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Some people may be excused from these requirements. Among other exemptions, you may qualify if any of the following apply to you:

• Have a disability;
• Are caring for a child under age 14;
• Are in school or training;
• Are a veteran;
• Are in a drug or alcohol treatment program;
• Have another qualifying hardship; or
• Meet another applicable federal exemption criteria.

If you believe you may qualify, contact your MDHHS office at 1 (866) 464-3447. You can check your case anytime at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

While it is important to share this information, I also want to be honest about my concerns.

In my view, these changes place unnecessary burdens, both physical and bureaucratic, on older adults and low-income workers. Most people who receive SNAP are currently working. Census data shows that in 2023, 82% of childless adults on SNAP were working during the year.

These new rules reflect outdated and harmful beliefs about people who need help buying groceries. The truth is simple: families are working hard, but their wages often do not keep up with rising costs. At a time when groceries, housing and everyday essentials are more expensive than ever, people need hope that their hard work will pay off. Not new hoops to jump through.

And these changes are taking effect during the holiday season, when budgets are already stretched thin. In my opinion, these new work requirements are both cruel and unnecessary.

As always, I will continue fighting for policies that respect the dignity of working families and make sure no one in our community goes hungry.

In service,

Kristian Grant
State Representative
House District 82