Significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) launched across South Carolina on February 1, 2026, introducing stricter work requirements for hundreds of thousands of residents. These adjustments follow the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into federal law on July 4, 2025.
According to the most recent state data from December 2025, over 520,000 South Carolinians rely on SNAP benefits. While children under 18 make up nearly half of all recipients and those over 50 account for roughly a quarter, the new legislation specifically targets a growing segment of the “able-bodied” population.
The primary shift under the new regulations involves able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). The age range for mandatory work participation has been significantly expanded, now encompassing adults aged 18 to 64. Previously, the requirement only applied to those up to age 54.
Individuals within this bracket must now document at least 80 hours of work or participation in qualifying work programs per month—averaging 20 hours per week. Failure to meet these standard limits benefit eligibility to just three months within a 36-month period.
The OBBBA has also restructured who qualifies for a waiver from these time limits. While households with children under the age of 14 remain exempt, parents or guardians caring for children between the ages of 14 and 17 are now subject to the work requirements unless another specific exemption applies.
Furthermore, several categories of individuals who were previously shielded from these mandates must now comply with the 80-hour monthly rule. This includes veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young adults aged 24 or younger who have transitioned out of the foster care system.
Historically, states could request waivers to suspend work requirements in geographic areas struggling with high unemployment or a lack of available jobs. The new law drastically raises the threshold for these exceptions. Under the current federal guidelines, only regions with an unemployment rate exceeding 10% are eligible for such waivers.
At present, approximately 3% of SNAP recipients in South Carolina are classified as ABAWDs. However, state officials anticipate this percentage will rise as the expanded age range and the removal of previous exemptions take hold.
South Carolina residents seeking details regarding their specific eligibility status or available work programs are encouraged to consult the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
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