USDA Draft Rule Would Slash SNAP Rolls by 6.3 Million

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed rule on Monday that would reduce the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by 6.3 million participants. The draft regulation limits automatic SNAP eligibility to low-income households that receive cash assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

The agency targets a policy called broad-based categorical eligibility. Currently, states can use noncash TANF services, such as child care or workforce training, to qualify households for SNAP. This bypasses the program's standard income limits. Under the new proposal, households receiving only these nominal or noncash services would lose their automatic qualification.

USDA officials argue the change creates more standardized eligibility rules. The rule states the goal is to preserve benefits for the truly needy while addressing concerns about waste and fraud. The department estimates the change will save $44.6 billion between 2027 and 2031.

The proposal also affects school meal programs. USDA estimates that 1.8 million children would lose eligibility for free school lunches if the rule takes effect. Nearly 18% of current SNAP recipients, totaling the 6.3 million people mentioned, would lose their benefits under the new standard.

The public has 30 days to submit comments on the proposed rule. The agency will review the feedback before deciding whether to finalize the regulation. If finalized, the changes would alter how states calculate income eligibility for millions of families.