As states race to restore missed SNAP payments following the federal shutdown, a legal nurse consultant is sounding the alarm about sweeping new restrictions that took effect the moment benefits came back online.
According to her, the new rules will push thousands of vulnerable people off food assistance overnight.
Cambria Nwosu, a legal nurse consultant who reviews medical records for litigation and tracks how federal policy affects patient outcomes, posted a stark warning on Instagram that the nation is “not ready for the fallout.”
“SNAP came back on after the shutdown, but the new cuts hit instantly,” she wrote. “These work rules and immigration restrictions will push thousands off food assistance while chronic illness continues climbing in high-risk communities.”
In a video breaking down the changes, Nwosu said what many hoped would be a routine restoration of benefits has instead become “déjà vu with a side of stress.”
Work Rules Tighten — And Pull In New Groups
According to Nwosu, the U.S. Department of Agriculture quietly sent states new guidance expanding work requirements for “able-bodied adults under 65 with no dependents.” To keep receiving food assistance, these adults must now prove they work, attend school, or participate in job training at least 80 hours per month. Those who can’t provide documentation get just three months of benefits.
Parents with children under 14 remain exempt, but once a child turns 14, many parents will be pulled into the work requirement system.
What has shocked advocates, however, are the groups losing long-standing exemptions:
- Military veterans
- People experiencing homelessness
- Young adults aging out of foster care
“These groups were always protected,” Nwosu said. “Now they have to meet the same work rules. The only full exemption left is disability.”
Immigration Restrictions Hit Hardest
The newly implemented immigration rules, Nwosu said, are “where things get cruel real quick.”
Under the policy:
- Only U.S. citizens, nationals, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA citizens qualify for SNAP.
- Green card holders must wait five years unless they are under 18 or have a military connection.
- Refugees, asylees, and trafficking survivors lose SNAP entirely.
“These are some of the most vulnerable groups we see accessing basic nutrition support in health care,” Nwosu said. “Cutting them off isn’t policy. It’s harm.”
All of the changes took effect on Nov 1, meaning thousands have already been removed from SNAP in the middle of rising food prices and worsening economic strain.
Health Experts Brace for Crisis
Speaking from a clinical perspective, Nwosu warned that the consequences for public health will be immediate and severe.
“Food insecurity is directly tied to chronic disease progression, medication adherence, ER visits, and mortality,” she explained. “Congress knows that. They passed it anyway.”
Hospitals, clinics, and social workers, she added, will be the first to feel the strain as patients lose access to basic nutrition.
Her message ends with a stark warning: “Brace yourselves.”
The shutdown may be over — but for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance, the emergency has only just begun.
