The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services is informing the community of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program following new federal legislation that took effect this year.
DPHSS said the updates stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, and include revised eligibility standards and work requirements for certain SNAP recipients.
Among the changes, some noncitizen groups are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits, including individuals with deportations withheld, those granted asylum and parolees. The law also modifies exceptions for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, or ABAWDs.
An ABAWD is defined as an individual between the ages of 18 and 64 who is fit to work, does not live with a dependent child and applies for SNAP benefits. DPHSS said individuals newly classified as ABAWDs must meet a general work requirement of at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits.
Eligible work activities include paid employment, self-employment, volunteer or in-kind work, or participation in the SNAP Employment and Training program, which is offered in partnership with the Guam Department of Labor and the American Jobs Center.
DPHSS said ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement may receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a 36-month period. Certain individuals remain exempt, including those under 18 or 65 and older, pregnant individuals, those caring for a child under 14 or an incapacitated person, individuals unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, students enrolled at least half-time, and individuals identified as Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian under federal law.
The new requirements took effect Jan. 1. DPHSS said affected households have already been notified and will have three months to meet the requirements before benefits are terminated.
Recipients who believe they were incorrectly identified as ABAWDs are advised to contact DPHSS by email.