New Work Rules Could Cost Thousands Their Benefits in Massachusetts

As Bob Dylan said in 1964, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." One significant shift involves the American public benefits sector, where new regulations mandate work requirements for access to some tax-funded public assistance.

The changes have impacted food benefits first and will soon affect medical benefits.

New SNAP Work Requirements Explained

A federal law enacted in July 2025 requires able-bodied adults age 64 and under to work or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Before the change, able-bodied adults up to age 54 had to meet work requirements to receive benefits.

Who Could Lose Benefits in Massachusetts

The New Bedford Light reported, "The law also extends to additional categories of people, including parents caring for children between 14 and 17, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care."

"About 150,000 people in Massachusetts are slated to lose food benefits this year under new work requirements passed by Congress," The Light reported.

Upcoming Changes to MassHealth

As of January 1, 2027, new work requirements will begin for Medicaid. "The federal government is making changes to Medicaid programs across the country," according to Mass.gov.

"These changes include new work or education requirements, also known as community engagement requirements, and more frequent eligibility requirements, checks for certain MassHealth members," Mass.gov stated. "Changes will also affect which immigrants qualify for MassHealth."

"Some immigrants legally in the U.S. will stop being eligible for MassHealth" as of October 2026.

In January 2027, "Changes will start for MassHealth members who are 19 to 64 years old, and who do not have young children or a disability," according to Mass.gov.

In October 2028, some members, ages 19 to 64, "may have to pay a part of the cost for some health care services."

A Look Back at Work Requirements History

Work requirements for public benefit recipients are nothing new. They first began under the Democratic President Bill Clinton's administration 30 years ago. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" merely expands upon the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.