🧾 Major SNAP Changes in the OBBBA
🏛️ Cost-Shifting to States
- Current system: SNAP benefits are fully funded by the federal government.
- Proposed change: Starting in 2028, states with payment error rates above 6% must cover 5% to 15% of SNAP benefit costs2.
- Impact: States may face hundreds of millions in new costs, potentially leading to benefit cuts or program withdrawal3.
🧑💼 Expanded Work Requirements
- Able-bodied adults without dependents must work 80 hours/month up to age 64 (currently capped at 54).
- Parents with children over 14 would no longer be exempt.
- Exemptions: Pregnant individuals, some Native Americans, and those medically unfit for work.
🧮 Administrative Burden
- States would also see their administrative cost share rise from 50% to 75%.
- Eligibility reviews would be required twice a year instead of once, doubling the workload for local agencies.
🍽️ What This Means for SNAP Recipients
- Reduced access: Millions could lose benefits due to stricter eligibility and state-level cutbacks7.
- Food insecurity: Food banks warn they cannot absorb the increased demand if SNAP is slashed.
- Older adults: Those aged 55–64 may struggle to meet new work requirements, especially amid age discrimination in hiring.
Imagine Our Votes Decreasing = SNAP Decrease
Summary
- Starting in 2028, states with payment error rates above 6% must cover 5% to 15% of SNAP benefit costs2.
- States may face hundreds of millions in new costs, potentially leading to benefit cuts or program withdrawal3.
- Able-bodied adults without dependents must work 80 hours/month up to age 64 (currently capped at 54).
- Eligibility reviews would be required twice a year instead of once, doubling the workload for local agencies.
- Those aged 55–64 may struggle to meet new work requirements, especially amid age discrimination in hiring.
