Debt ceiling deal threatens SNAP benefits for hundreds of thousands of adults.

Nearly 750,000 low-income older Americans may lose access to federal food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to changes in work requirements included in the recent debt ceiling deal. The new legislation raises the age limit for work requirements to include childless workers aged 50 to 54, and the requirements would be effective through Oct. 1, 2030. The changes will cut spending on SNAP, including how many people qualify for assistance, and may create a "quiet struggle" for families in need. States, food banks, and charitable organizations may step in to try to make up for the reduced access to SNAP benefits, but they will not be able to entirely fill the void.