Nearly 45,000 Nevadans could lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning March 1, according to the Nevada Department of Social Services (DSS), following recent federal policy changes.
The potential loss of benefits stems from provisions in President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” The changes have altered eligibility requirements for SNAP recipients across the state.
Roughly 500,000 people in Nevada, about 15 percent of the state’s population, rely on SNAP to help meet basic food needs.
A key change is the removal of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement waiver, which took effect on December 1. Under the updated rules, individuals who were previously exempt must now work at least 20 hours per week to remain eligible for benefits. Qualifying activities include paid employment, volunteering, or community service.
Those who do not meet the requirement are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period.
The change affects a broad range of individuals who previously qualified for exemptions, including veterans, those who are homeless, and foster youth who have aged out of the system.
Once individuals exhaust their three months of eligibility, they are no longer able to receive SNAP benefits during the following three-year period unless they later meet the work requirements, at which point the benefits can be reinstated.
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