USDA Is Proposing a Rule That Would Kick Millions Off SNAP

Key Points:

• The Agriculture Department proposes sharply restricting eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiming to cut millions from the program by ending broad-based categorical eligibility for households not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash aid.
• The USDA estimates the rule would reduce federal SNAP spending by approximately $44.6 billion over five years and result in 3.2 million households (6.3 million individuals) losing benefits by fiscal 2029.
• The change would also impact related programs, with about 1.78 million children losing automatic eligibility for free school meals, though most would still qualify through income-based criteria; smaller numbers would lose access to Summer EBT and WIC.
• This is the second attempt to narrow categorical eligibility, with the Biden administration having withdrawn a similar 2019 proposal; the current rule would affect roughly twice as many people.
• The rule shifts administrative costs to states, requiring them to verify more applicants' resources and update eligibility systems, increasing state administrative expenses by an estimated $929 million over five years, though states are projected to save $5.2 billion overall due to reduced benefit costs.