Congress·In Committee·H.R. 1198

House Bill Would Add Strict Work Rules to Food Aid, Public Housing Benefits

Let’s Get to Work Act of 2025

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Would tighten and expand work rules tied to food assistance, including a new 6-month limit for some parents/caregivers.
From policy text
“in the case of a parent or other member of a household with responsibility for a dependent child, 6 months (consecutive or otherwise),”
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Would narrow who counts as exempt from these work rules, including changing the age exemption to people over 60.
From policy text
“striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: ``(ii) over 60 years of age;'';”
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Would add work requirements to public housing for people who are not exempt under the food-aid work-rule exemptions.
From policy text
“The requirements described in section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)) shall apply with respect to any individual who-- ``(1) is a member of a family residing in a public housing dwelling; and ``(2) is not exempted from those requirements under paragraph (3) of such section.''.”
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Would add the same work requirements to tenant-based rental help (like vouchers) for people who are not exempt.
From policy text
“The requirements described in section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)) shall apply with respect to any individual who-- ``(A) is a member of a family receiving tenant- based assistance; and ``(B) is not exempted from those requirements under paragraph (3) of such section.''.”
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People who can’t meet the work rules could risk losing food aid and, under this bill, could also risk losing housing help.
From policy text
“The requirements described in section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)) shall apply with respect to any individual who-- ``(1) is a member of a family residing in a public housing dwelling; and ``(2) is not exempted from those requirements under paragraph (3) of such section.''.”
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Consumer ProtectionHousingLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(8)

Unemployment Benefits

Hurts

Gig Worker

Hurts

Snap Food Stamps

Hurts

Chronic Illness

Hurts

Housing Assistance

Hurts

Child Tax Credit

Hurts

Renter

Hurts

Retiree

Hurts

Milestones

3 milestones3 actions

Mar 14, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Feb 11, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 11, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within months after the bill becomes law

SNAP and housing agencies update rules, notices, and screening to match the new work requirements

People applying for or renewing SNAP, public housing, or vouchers could be asked for new proof (work hours, approved training, or exemption status). Missing paperwork could put benefits at risk.

After agencies implement the new housing-related requirements (often aligned to recertification cycles)

Work-requirement enforcement begins for public housing and tenant-based rental assistance

Some households could start getting warning letters, deadlines to comply, and possible loss of housing help if they do not meet work/activity rules and are not exempt.

As soon as the new SNAP rules apply in a state and months are tracked

Families newly subject to the 6-month SNAP limit for caregivers begin using up counted months

Parents/caregivers who can’t meet work/activity rules may hit the cap and lose SNAP for a period of time, making grocery budgets tighter.

Related News

2 articles

Politico·6 months ago

Republicans are making changes to SNAP and Medicaid. County officials say they're not prepared to handle it.

Local officials warn that changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which incorporated the Let's Get to Work Act, will strain social safety nets. New work requirements could lead to over 2 million people losing SNAP access due to administrative burdens and complex eligibility reporting.

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Washington Examiner·11 months ago

Republicans should address welfare's work disincentives in budget reconciliation

As budget reconciliation continues, Republicans are looking to strengthen work requirements via the Let's Get to Work Act. Proponents argue that increasing engagement with work is the only successful path out of poverty, though critics suggest the bill must also address 'benefit cliffs.'

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