The Trump administration proposed narrowing SNAP eligibility for an estimated 6.3 million people
The Trump administration has proposed tightening eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a change it estimates could make 6.3 million people ineligible. Announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week, the plan would limit broad-based categorical eligibility, a policy used by more than 40 states to expand access to food assistance.
Get The Augerton Digest by email.
Under the policy, states can extend SNAP to households receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families even if assets exceed the program’s threshold. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said broad-based categorical eligibility lets states modestly raise SNAP’s income limits.
The USDA forecast the rule, if effective, would cut federal SNAP spending by about $45 billion from fiscal 2027 through fiscal 2031. The United Food and Commercial Workers union said the change would worsen food insecurity, noting that 5.5 million people had already lost SNAP access over the previous year because of cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting behind this story
- United News of Bangladesh — Trump administration plans tighter rules for federal grocery assistance
- grocerydive.com — USDA looks to tighten SNAP eligibility
- record-bee.com — Trump administration plans to make it harder to get grocery assistance
- masslive.com — New proposed SNAP cuts would spread hunger among more WMass residents
- thefiscaltimes.com — Trump Admin Rule Change Could Cut 6.3 Million From Food Aid Program