USDA proposes tighter SNAP eligibility rules beginning in 2029

THE BARE STORY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule that would tighten eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, potentially reducing enrollment by millions of people beginning in 2029.

The proposal would restrict broad-based categorical eligibility, a pathway under which some households receiving non-cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families support, such as job training or childcare aid, can qualify automatically for SNAP. Under the proposed change, households above standard federal income limits would no longer qualify through that pathway.

The Agriculture Department estimates the rule would reduce SNAP enrollment by about 17%, with 6.3 million people losing food assistance in 2029. It also projects that nearly 1.8 million children would lose access to free school lunches and that 5,500 low-income women would lose supplemental nutrition aid.

A White House spokeswoman said the administration’s goal is to reduce fraud and costs and direct benefits to those most in need. Agriculture Department officials said the current policy allows some people with substantial wealth but little income to receive benefits. Anti-hunger advocates and some lawmakers criticized the proposal, saying it would reduce access to food assistance and increase administrative burdens. The rule is open for public comment.