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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help millions of Americans stretch their food budgets and eliminate some money stress, but SNAP participation has seen a steep decline. According to Agriculture Department data, approximately 42 million people received SNAP benefits last year; that's roughly one in eight Americans. By April, the total had dropped to 37 million people, a decline of about 5 million. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that SNAP participation nationwide has dropped by 11% from last July to April.
The decline in SNAP enrollment means millions of people have lost benefits that help ensure they're able to eat, and there are several potential causes behind that sharp drop in participation.
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How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affected SNAP enrollment
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a Republican tax and spending law, was enacted last July, correlating with the drop in SNAP participation. The OBBBA tightened SNAP eligibility and expanded work requirements. Under the new work requirements, more adults must either work or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits.
The new requirements have been expanded to apply to veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults aging out of foster care. They also now apply to parents with a child between 14 and 17, as well as people between the ages of 55 and 64.
The OBBBA also eliminated SNAP eligibility for some immigrants, such as refugees, people seeking asylum, or victims of domestic abuse or trafficking. These immigrants made up a very small portion of SNAP participants, but under the OBBBA, they no longer qualify for benefits.
The dispute about the causes behind declining SNAP enrollment
While the OBBBA's implementation correlates with the decline in participation, there's dispute over just what's causing the decline. The Agriculture Department made a July statement noting that SNAP benefit participation tends to fluctuate and doesn't necessarily reflect the impact of a single policy.
Additionally, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained that the decline in participation may even be a good sign, noting that it could signify a better economy and that people who shouldn't have qualified for benefits have been removed from the program.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities takes a different stance, arguing that flat unemployment paired with rising food prices suggest that policy changes, not reduced need, may be at the root of the lower participation rates.
How SNAP funding restructuring may result in more changes
Some of the biggest shifts in the SNAP program haven't even hit yet. Prior to the OBBBA's implementation, states were responsible for 50% of SNAP administrative expenses, with the government picking up the other half. However, in October, states are responsible for 75% of SNAP operational expenses, with the government paying just 25% of the costs.
In October 2027, the government won't cover the full cost of food benefits, either. If states have an error rate at or above 6%, they'll be responsible for contributing to the costs. The error rate reflects overpayments and underpayments in the SNAP program, and this change could affect many states. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that nearly half of the states may be required to pay penalties of $100 million or more because of error rate penalties implemented under this change.
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How SNAP could cost states more
If states are responsible for more administrative expenses and error rate penalties, the cost of the SNAP program may increase. As a result, states might implement higher taxes or cut other areas in the budget to make up for the difference.
It's also possible that states might limit food assistance eligibility, meaning even more people might go without SNAP benefits. Alternatively, some states have suggested they might be forced to withdraw or pause the SNAP program if the costs become overwhelming.
The potential long-term implications of changes
The changes in SNAP work requirements implemented by the OBBBA may have implications that we haven't yet seen, too. Congressional Budget Office data indicates that the work requirements may reduce SNAP participation by an average of 2.4 million people per month; that may span from 2025 through 2034, meaning participation may continue to decline for years.
The ripple effect of SNAP cuts
SNAP cuts don't just affect SNAP recipients; they have an impact on the greater economy. According to the Food Research & Action Center, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity. With fewer people receiving SNAP, grocery store sales may significantly drop. Food banks and food pantries may also face increased demand as people seek out alternative sources for food that they are no longer able to afford to purchase.
Bottom line
If you rely on or may qualify for SNAP, check with your state agency for current eligibility guidelines since the new work rules have been implemented. Be prepared for heavier documentation requests and processing delays, and don't hesitate to seek out application help, which may be available from local community resources, like food banks and your local SNAP office. Your local food pantry may be a helpful resource, but keep in mind that pantries are seeing increased demand, too.
SNAP may be a helpful way to boost a fixed income and ensure you're able to buy food, but applying for SNAP right now may take longer and require more patience than usual.
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