4 Million Fewer on SNAP Benefits After Trump Rule Changes
Summary
The number of people receiving SNAP food benefits in the U.S. dropped by about 4 million between January 2025 and January 2026. This decrease followed new rules introduced by President Trump’s administration that made it harder for some adults to qualify for or keep receiving benefits.Key Facts
- SNAP is a government program that helps low-income Americans pay for groceries.
- Between January 2025 and January 2026, SNAP enrollment fell from 42.8 million to under 38.6 million.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in July 2025, introduced stricter work requirements and reduced some exemptions for SNAP recipients.
- Adults aged 55 to 64 who were previously exempt now must work or attend training to get benefits.
- Some groups like veterans, homeless people, and former foster youth lost their special exemption status under the new rules.
- The steepest drop in SNAP recipients happened between August 2025 and January 2026, especially in October to November 2025.
- Many people lost benefits not because their income was too high, but because of new rules, paperwork challenges, or changes during regular benefit checks.
- The Congressional Budget Office had predicted about 4 million people would lose or see reduced SNAP benefits due to the law.
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