Politics · United States · 4 hrs ago
US proposal could remove SNAP benefits from 6.3 million people
The US Department of Agriculture proposed tightening SNAP eligibility on Tuesday, a change that could affect 6.3 million people in fiscal year 2029.
SNAP, commonly called food stamps, helps low-income people in the United States pay for food.
The proposal would end a policy that lets states extend eligibility to some people who receive other public aid, even if they exceed federal income or asset limits.
About 1.8 million children could lose automatic eligibility for free school meals, though nearly all could still qualify by applying separately.
The USDA says the change would reduce federal SNAP spending by nearly $45 billion and state spending by $5.2 billion over five years, while advocates warn that added paperwork could cause eligible people to lose help.
The proposal is not yet final, and the public has 30 days to submit comments before the government decides whether to implement it.
A proposed US Department of Agriculture rule could remove about 6.3 million people from SNAP in fiscal year 2029.
The proposal would end a policy that lets states expand SNAP eligibility for some people receiving other public aid.
The USDA says the change would reduce federal SNAP spending by nearly $45 billion and state spending by $5.2 billion over five years.
The proposal could also affect access to school meals and WIC, and increase paperwork for recipients and state agencies.
It is not clear when, or whether, the proposal will be implemented; the public has 30 days to comment.
- Who
- About 6.3 million SNAP recipients could lose eligibility. The USDA proposed the rule.
- What
- The proposal would restrict broad-based categorical eligibility, which lets states expand SNAP access for some people receiving other public aid.
- When
- Proposed Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The rule estimates effects in fiscal year 2029.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- The USDA says the policy has expanded SNAP beyond federal eligibility limits and that ending it would reduce spending.
US Department of Agriculture
Gina Plata-Nino and food-assistance advocates
Rationale
US Department of Agriculture
The USDA says broad-based categorical eligibility has expanded benefits to people above federal income and asset limits.
Gina Plata-Nino and food-assistance advocates
Advocates say the rule would harm low-income working families.
Effects
US Department of Agriculture
The USDA says the change would reduce federal spending by nearly $45 billion and state spending by $5.2 billion over five years.
Gina Plata-Nino and food-assistance advocates
Advocates warn that additional paperwork could cause eligible people to lose benefits, and that some families fear filling out government forms.
The Trump administration proposed a similar rule to end broad-based categorical eligibility.
The Biden administration withdrew the 2019 proposal.
President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The USDA released its proposed rule to restrict broad-based categorical eligibility.
The public has 30 days to submit comments on the proposal.
- Potentially affected SNAP recipients
- About 6.3 million
- Estimated SNAP enrollment change
- More than 5 million fewer people since July 2025
- Estimated federal savings
- Nearly $45 billion over five years
- Estimated state savings
- $5.2 billion over five years
- Children no longer automatically eligible for free school meals
- About 1.8 million
- Public comment period
- 30 days
3 sources
What people are saying
Correcting this loophole is long overdue.
These are working families.
São pessoas que têm dois ou três empregos, mas ainda assim não ganham o suficiente.