Updates

Nebraska is implementing SNAP Eligibility Changes from President Trump’s H.R.1

/ Economic Justice / By /

UPDATE: Nebraska DHHS released an FAQ document about changes due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on their SNAP webpage on Friday Oct. 17.

President Trump signed H.R.1 otherwise known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law on July 4 2025, which included major cuts to and eligibility restrictions for public benefit programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps). Recent guidance from the US Department of Agriculture has forced states to implement SNAP eligibility provisions extremely soon – October 20 in Nebraska’s case. 

Here are some FAQs that may be helpful:

When will Nebraska start implementing SNAP eligibility changes from H.R.1?

  • The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has chosen October 20 to start screening SNAP participants for new SNAP eligibility provision changes of H.R.1 (see below for details). This includes refugee and asylees, work requirements, and utility deductions eligibility requirements. Upon a participant’s recertification date, DHHS will screen for new criteria and any exemptions that might keep people on SNAP. 

Will benefits get cut off for people impacted by these eligibility changes on October 20?

  • No. DHHS will not simply click a button and end SNAP eligibility for all people they have listed as newly ineligible. DHHS will review a SNAP participants’ eligibility during recertification, which could be anytime between Oct. 20 and April 20, 2026 (a 6-month window).

When is my recertification date?

  • Each SNAP participant’s recertification date depends on when they applied to and were approved for SNAP. In Nebraska, recertification happens every 6 months so it will be between October 20, 2025 and April 20, 2026. You can reach out to ACCESSNebraska to find your recertification date.

If I think the new rules make me ineligible, should I just end my SNAP participation now?

  • No. DHHS will determine whether or not you still qualify for SNAP based on your current circumstances and current rules at recertification. Even if you are found to be ineligible, the benefits you receive between Oct 20 and that recertification date are yours to keep since you were not required to report changes between recertification dates. SNAP benefits are safe to use.

Do I need to spend down benefits on my EBT card between now and Oct 20 or by my recertification date?

  • No. Oct. 20 is the date that DHHS will start screenings at recertification. Even if someone is found ineligible for SNAP at recertification, their unused benefits will remain on their card (but will be expunged after 9 months as required by law). There is no need to spend down benefits by recertification.

I need food and SNAP was a lifeline. Where can I get food now?

  • Emergency food pantries: Find food pantries in your area by clicking the links here. Pantries share the types of food they offer (halal, kosher, etc) in their descriptions.
  • Mutual aid pantries like little free pantries: A google search with your area and “little free pantry” may be the best option for finding these.

I want to get the word out in my community. Do you have any resources to share?

  • Feel free to share this blog. You can also share these English-language flyers produced by DHHS (Spanish-language flyers have also been promised but not yet received).

Why is this happening?

  • Congress voted to pass H.R.1 and President Trump signed it into law on July 4, 2025. This bill prioritized expanded tax cuts for the wealthy and increased spending to separate families and neighbors who are stuck in limbo because of long-outdated immigration laws. The bill also cut billions of dollars for funding for Medicaid. All 5 of Nebraska’s federal delegates, Sen. Ricketts, Sen. Fischer, Rep. Smith, Rep. Flood, and Rep. Bacon, voted to pass the bill at all stages.

I’m angry and want to share my anger with the people who voted to pass this bill. Who should I reach out to?

  • You can call or email your members of Congress (your Representative and both of your Senators – you can find them here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member). You can share with them how these changes will impact you and your community, and ask them to repeal these changes and strengthen SNAP. 

This is an extremely difficult time for many families in Nebraska. We encourage you to reach out to Appleseed to share your story (contact Megan at mhamann@neappleseed.org) and take action to limit the damage of H.R.1 and the harmful impacts it’s already having in Nebraska.

SNAP Eligibility Changes due to H.R.1.

  • 3 month time limited individuals:
    • Now includes
      • individuals between the ages of 18 and 64.
      • parents of dependent children ages 14+.
    • The following three exemptions will be removed:
      • Veterans;
      • Homeless individuals; and
      • Individuals aging out of foster care.
    • A new exception has been added for Indians, Urban Indians, California Indians, and other Indians who are eligible for Indian Health Services.
  • Households receiving a qualifying Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment must contain an elderly or disabled member to have the SUA automatically applied to their case. ​​
  • Eligibility changes
    • SNAP eligibility will be limited to those who reside in the United States and are:
      • A citizen;
      • Lawfully admitted for permanent residence with no intention of abandoning their foreign country;
      • Cuban and Haitian entrants; or
      • Allowed to live and work in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).
    • Eligibility for refugees, those granted asylum, and any others not explicitly included in the above list is removed.
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