North Carolina Announces Stricter SNAP Work Requirements and Medicaid Changes

Significant changes to SNAP and Medicaid work requirements were the focal point of the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board meeting on July 25, 2025. The discussions highlighted a new law that tightens eligibility criteria for food assistance, impacting many residents in the area.

The meeting revealed that the updated policy, which affects able-bodied adults without dependents, will now enforce stricter work requirements. Previously, individuals could receive food assistance for three months within a 36-month period without meeting work obligations. However, under the new regulations, exemptions have been significantly narrowed. For instance, the age limit for exemptions has shifted from 54 to 60, and homelessness is no longer considered a valid exemption. Only individuals with disabilities or those who are pregnant will qualify for exemptions.

This change means that many more individuals will be required to work or engage in community service for at least 80 hours a month to maintain their benefits. Failure to comply will result in a three-year cutoff from assistance, with re-entry contingent upon meeting the new work requirements.

The board also discussed the implications of these changes on administrative processes, noting that the verification of work status will now need to occur before applications are approved, potentially increasing administrative costs and burdens on staff.

As these new regulations roll out, the board expressed concern about their impact on the community, particularly on vulnerable populations who rely on these essential services. The meeting underscored the need for ongoing dialogue and support as Buncombe County navigates these significant policy shifts.