In July 2025, the 119th Congress passed Public Law No: 119-21 https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1, a statute also known as HR 1 or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The law impacts residents in Connecticut and throughout the nation. It is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that has resulted in policy changes for many important social service programs, including SNAP benefits (food stamps), Medicaid (known in Connecticut as Husky Health), Covered CT (enhanced premium tax credits) and LIHEAP (low-income home energy assistance). https://portal.ct.gov/dss/knowledge-base/articles/general-information/federal-updates-hr1?language=en_US
Many of these changes took effect in November 2025. Others are being phased in over the next several months. The programs and changes include:
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Your benefits may be changing if you are:
SNAP Heat & Eat changes: Previously, heat-and-eat LIHEAP funds were provided to any SNAP household whose heat was included in their rent or had a shelter obligation but did not have a separate heating/cooling obligation. Effective July 2025, Heat & Eat eligibility will be limited to SNAP households with an elderly or disabled member.
Anticipated implementation: November 2025
SNAP Eligibility Changes for Non-Citizens: Previously, many non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, could qualify for SNAP. Effective July 2025, SNAP eligibility was limited to:
Anticipated implementation: November 2025
SNAP ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) Work Requirements
The law changes the age that SNAP recipients are required to be engaged in 80+ hours per month of work or community engagement from 19 to 54 to 19 to 64.
Work Requirement Changes
Non-citizen Eligibility
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
To see if individuals may be affected, use the screener link here: SNAP Work Rules Pre-screener
Individuals may need to provide additional documentation to keep SNAP benefits. Submitting verification documents (which could include proving pregnancy, household size, a medical condition, or proof that individuals are working/volunteering or attending an educational or training program).
NOTE: This can be as simple as taking a photo with a phone and submitting it through MyDSS or ConneCT.
Other Ways to Take Action with the Connecticut Department of Social Services:
If individuals do not have a MyDSS or ConneCT account:
For more information on how to access food assistance in Connecticut under the new rules, visit the Connecticut Social Services Food Assistance web page https://portal.ct.gov/dss/knowledge-base/articles/snap/abawd-work-requirement-changes-hr1?language=en_US
For resources available to those not eligible for SNAP benefits, click here: https://portal.ct.gov/dss/knowledge-base/articles/general-information/more-food-assistance-resources?language=en_US
MEDICAID (HUSKY Health)
Work Requirements
New Work Requirement Changes due to the “Big Beautiful Budget Bill” (HR1):
Starting January 1, 2027, the federal government will require most “able-bodied” Medicaid enrollees aged 19-64 to work or participate in community engagement activities (employment, job training, school, community service, volunteering, or a combination of those) for at least 80 hours per month to maintain coverage. In Connecticut this is the HUSKY D population.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) is pleased to announce the availability of a new HUSKY D Pre-screener designed to help individuals determine for themselves whether their health coverage may be affected by H.R. 1, also known as ‘The One Big Beautiful Bill Act.’
The HUSKY D Pre-screener can help users determine whether new work requirements may apply to them and identify potential next steps. It will also help identify potential exemptions to the Medicaid work requirements and give the locations of local community action agencies and other community resources.
New Work Requirement Changes –
To see if individuals may be affected (HSKY D Pre-Screener): SNAP Work Rules Pre-screener
Non-citizen eligibility
Effective October 1, 2026
For more information: What will change with DSS benefits following the passing of federal H.R.1?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SOURCES: Congress.gov, Connecticut State Department of Social Services
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: November2025