Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) rules are shifting for older adults in Massachusetts, in particular those aged 60–64, as new federal work requirements phase in and the state adapts its own systems. This has left many people asking: what is changing, when are changes happening, and how is the Commonwealth implementing the rules while maintaining access for older residents.
Most of the current changes grow out of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and related budget law, which expand “able‑bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD) work rules up to age 64 nationwide. The federal age expansion and narrowed exemptions began to affect Massachusetts SNAP cases starting November 1, 2025. On a parallel track, the usual SNAP cost‑of‑living adjustments and updated income limits took effect in Massachusetts on October 1, 2025, modestly increasing maximum benefit amounts and income thresholds for many households, including those with members over 60.
Under the new federal rules, adults ages 18 through 64 can be subject to the ABAWD time limit limiting adults to three months of SNAP in a three‑year period unless they meet work rules or qualify for an exemption. For Massachusetts residents in their early 60s who do not live with minor children and do not qualify for an exemption, this means they may need to document at least 80 hours per month of work, work program participation, or certain other qualifying activities to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is phasing in the new work requirements gradually, applying them as households apply or come up for annual recertification rather than changing everyone’s status at once. State guidance notes that more people will now be evaluated under the ABAWD rules—including people up to age 65 and some groups that previously had exemptions, such as certain parents, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness—but emphasizes that not every older adult will be affected the same way. Many older adults will still be exempt from strict work rules because of disability, health limitations, or caregiving responsibilities as those exemptions remain part of federal and state policy. Others, particularly those who are single, childless, and relatively healthy, may find that continuing SNAP now comes with more paperwork and a need to document work or training hours at recertification.
At the same time, broader SNAP updates—like cost‑of‑living increases in October and slightly higher income limits—mean that some lower‑income older adults may newly qualify or see modest benefit increases even as the work‑requirement rules expand. How this balance plays out will depend on individual circumstances: health, work history, family composition, and how effectively state agencies and community groups help people in their early sixties navigate a more complex set of rules in the years just before full retirement age.
For Massachusetts residents between 60 and 64, the most important practical step is to clarify their status. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) remains the primary source for official information on SNAP eligibility, benefit changes, and work requirements. DTA provides details online and by phone, and older adults (60+) can call the dedicated DTA Senior Assistance Line at 833-712-8027 to ask questions about how the updated rules apply to their situation. In addition to DTA resources, The Open Door (978-283-6776, foodpantry.org) and Beverly Bootstraps (978-927-1561, beverlybootstraps.org) assist with SNAP eligibility questions and the application process.
The SeniorCare Nutrition Program serves daily lunches those 60 years of age and older at ten community dining rooms located throughout the North Shore and with home-delivered-meals (Meals on Wheels). To learn more, visit seniorcareinc.org/healthy-eating or contact the SeniorCare Nutrition team at 978-281-1750.