Thousands of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in the U.S. Virgin Islands could lose food assistance beginning March 1 if they do not meet new federal work requirements, the Virgin Islands Human Services Department announced in a press release.
The department announced that changes to SNAP will take effect March 1, removing benefits from Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who fail to comply with updated work rules tied to recent federal legislation.
The new requirements stem from House Resolution One, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The law expands work requirements for certain SNAP recipients nationwide, including those in the territory, according to the press release.
Under the changes, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents are defined as adults ages 18 through 64 who are physically and mentally able to work and do not have a dependent child under age 14 in the household. To remain eligible for benefits, affected recipients must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in a job training program. Those who are employed must work an average of at least 20 hours per week or earn $217.50 per week before taxes. Recipients enrolled in school or a training program must complete at least 20 hours of class time per week, the press release stated.
Recipients who do not meet the requirement will be limited to receiving SNAP benefits for three months over a three-year period. If compliance is not achieved, ineligible household members will be removed from the SNAP case or the case will be closed, the release stated.
The department said certain individuals may be exempt from the work requirement, including those who are pregnant, under age 18 or age 65 and older, living with a child under 14 in the household, or experiencing a certified physical or mental barrier to employment lasting at least 30 days, the release stated.
The Human Services Department said it will mail notices to affected households explaining the changes and outlining steps recipients can take to remain eligible for benefits.
For more information, St. Thomas and St. John residents may call 340-774-0930, while St. Croix residents may call 340-772-7100, the release stated.
