New 'Let's Get to Work Act' Tightens Aid: Work Requirements Expand to Housing, SNAP Rules Get Stricter

The "Let's Get to Work Act of 2025" is a new bill that significantly reshapes how people access government assistance programs. It introduces tougher work requirements for those receiving SNAP (food stamps) and, for the first time, extends those requirements to individuals living in public housing or using tenant-based rental assistance.

Stricter SNAP Rules

The bill directly targets SNAP benefits by amending Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. One major change affects parents and those caring for dependent children. Previously, there were longer exemption periods from work requirements for this group. The new bill cuts the exemption period down to a maximum of 6 months (SEC. 2.).

• Real-World Impact: Imagine a single parent with a young child who loses their job. Under the old rules, they might have had a longer grace period to find new work while still receiving SNAP. This bill shortens that window, potentially forcing them to take any available job, even if it's low-paying or doesn't fit their skills, to avoid losing food assistance.

Additionally, the bill removes a previous exemption clause (clause (ii) in the original Act) (SEC. 2.). While it does add exemptions for those over 60, those responsible for incapacitated individual, or those married to someone meeting the requirements, the removal of the previous clause could mean some people who were previously exempt will now have to meet work requirements.

Housing Assistance Now Tied to Work

Section 3 of the bill is a big shift. It mandates that anyone living in public housing or receiving tenant-based rental assistance must also meet the SNAP work requirements (as defined in 7 U.S.C. 2015(o)). The only exceptions are those already exempt under SNAP rules (SEC. 3.).

• Real-World Impact: Consider someone working part-time while going to school, hoping to improve their job prospects. If their part-time hours don't meet the new work requirements, they could risk losing their housing assistance, making it even harder to finish their education and find better-paying work.

Tighter Squeeze

One of the major concerns with this bill is the increased pressure it puts on low-income individuals and families. By tightening SNAP exemptions and linking housing assistance to work requirements, the bill creates a situation where people may be forced to accept jobs that don't offer a living wage or long-term stability, simply to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

The bill does not specify how these requirements will be enforced, or what kind of support will be available to help people find jobs that meet the criteria. The bill also does not specify how state and local agencies will handle the increased administrative burden of verifying compliance, which will likely fall on already stretched social service agencies.

The "Let's Get to Work Act" represents a significant change in how the government approaches social safety nets. It prioritizes work, even low-wage work, above other considerations, potentially making it harder for vulnerable people to access the assistance they need to survive and improve their lives.