Big changes are here for how some Texans get their food benefits, and if you're between 55 and 64 and use SNAP, you'll want to pay close attention. A new federal law, often called the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' just tightened the rules for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a significant shift that could affect many households right here in Houston. Here’s the deal: adults in that 55-64 age range now have to meet work requirements. We're talking about needing to work, train, or volunteer for 80 hours every month to keep getting those benefits. If you don't meet these hours, you could lose your SNAP aid for all but three months over a three-year period. Your specific recertification date dictates when these new rules kick in for your household, so it's not a one-size-fits-all rollout. Beyond the age group, some exemptions that used to help especially vulnerable populations are gone. People like veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care no longer automatically bypass these work requirements. This is a big public policy move, and it's raising eyebrows about how it might impact those already struggling the most. One big headache is the lack of clear, timely information. It's confusing. Local groups like the Houston Food Bank and United Way of Greater Houston are stepping up, trying to get the word out and help folks understand what they need to do. They're urging people to update their addresses with the state and check for letters from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It’s worth noting the Houston Food Bank is even offering volunteering opportunities to help people meet that 20-hour-a-week requirement. This resource is vital for so many. Texas HHSC currently distributes about $108 million in food benefits each month to 279,000 households. The new work requirements affect a sizable chunk of that, over 60,000 older Americans, according to the Houston Food Bank. When we look at this from a legal perspective, the way these changes are communicated, or not communicated, to beneficiaries brings up questions about due process. People need clear notice and a real chance to comply before losing essential support. Plus, the removal of exemptions for vulnerable groups raises policy concerns about equity and the effectiveness of our social safety net. It’s a lot to untangle, and local non-profits are working hard to bridge the gap.