Work Requirements
Nationally recognized expert on work requirements across federal benefit programs. Educated advocates and policymakers on the lessons learned from >25 years of TANF and SNAP experience and research. Analyzed federal legislation and regulations and state implementation options to identify best practices for minimizing coverage loss and protecting vulnerable populations.
HR 1 (OBBBA) Resources
H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or OBBBA, enacted in July 2025, includes a major expansion of SNAP work requirements to older workers and parents, as well as a new requirement for all states to implement work requirements as a condition of eligibility for many Medicaid recipients. Based on previous experience with work requirements in public benefit programs, these requirements will cause millions of people to lose food assistance and health care coverage, including many who are working or who should qualify for exemptions, but who get caught up in the administrative burden of reporting requirements.
While all work reporting requirements create administrative burden and serve as a barrier to program access, state choices in setting policy and implementing it can make the difference between whether programs continue to serve most of those eligible for benefits or become available only in theory, inaccessible to those who need them most.
I am pleased to offer the following resources to support policymakers and advocates in understanding the work requirements under H.R. 1 and in minimizing the harm they will cause. Please contact me with any questions or feedback, or if I can be of assistance.
This document compares the SNAP and Medicaid work requirements created by HR 1 and analyzes the differences in the timelines, requirements, consequences and exemptions. Updated Jan 2026.
This document explains why it is important for states to plan for implementing both Medicaid and SNAP work requirements in a coordinated manner.
Related Publications
- Burnside, Lower-Basch, Dolly, Gilkesson, and McCorkell, Advancing Disability Equity and Access in TANF and SNAP for People with Long COVID, CLASP, 2022.
- Lower-Basch, Young Adults and TANF: Rethinking Work Activities, CLASP, 2016
- Lower-Basch and Schmit, TANF and the First Year of Life: Making a Difference at a Pivotal Moment, CLASP, 2015.
- Lower-Basch, Testimony at a Hearing on Waiving Work Requirements in the TANF Program, House Ways and Means Committee, 2013.
- Lower-Basch and Greenberg, Single Mothers in the Era of Welfare Reform, Labor and Employment Relations Association, 2009.
- Lower-Basch, Leavers and Diversion Studies: Preliminary analysis of racial differences in caseload trends and leaver outcomes, ASPE, 2000.


