New SNAP Rule Affects Parents: 7-Year Age Requirement Sparks Confusion

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In recent days, social media has been abuzz with a startling claim: that the federal government plans to lower the age for being considered a “dependent” from 18 to 7 years. This assertion is entirely false and arises from a misinterpretation of a real provision included in the new budget bill, informally known as the “big and beautiful bill” supported by former President Donald Trump.

The bill introduces changes to the work requirements of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , also known as food stamps. The confusion stems from a clause that limits exemptions to the work requirement for certain adult beneficiaries. Currently, SNAP rules exempt parents caring for a child under 18 from work requirements. Under the new provision, this exemption would only apply if the child is under 7 years old.

This means there is no redefinition of who is legally considered a dependent, nor are benefits being removed for children over 7 years old . The mention of that age solely refers to who can exempt an adult from the requirement to work or train to continue receiving SNAP benefits .

• Consider Laura, a single mother with two children: Lucas, aged 6, and Valeria, aged 10. She receives SNAP benefits. Until now, Laura was not required to work or attend job training programs because she had children under 18. With the new bill, if passed as is, Laura would only be exempt from the work requirement for Lucas, as he is under 7 years old. However, when Lucas turns 7, Laura would need to start working or enroll in a training program, even though she still has minor dependents.

This change does not affect her tax return, nor the status of her children as legal dependents. It only modifies when she must meet work requirements to maintain the SNAP benefit .

What remains unchanged is the definition of “ dependent ” in the tax code, which stays the same. Children over 7 years old still qualify for public benefits . The general eligibility of minors to receive federal aid is not affected. Parents can continue to claim their children as dependents on their tax returns regardless of them being over 7 years old.

The legislation is currently under review in the Senate. If enacted, parents who were previously exempt due to having children under 18 will need to meet new work conditions once their child turns 7 . This change is part of a broader package of budgetary and labor restrictions pushed by conservative sectors to reduce social spending and increase workforce participation.

In conclusion, the rumor about a radical redefinition of the age of dependents is false and misleading. The law in question adjusts a specific work exemption within the SNAP program but does not change tax rules or the fundamental rights of minors. In times of viral misinformation, it is crucial to verify facts and understand the nuances of each policy before sharing or reacting.

Check: How the SNAP EBT card works in supermarkets and online stores