The proposal, released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on November 10, targets eligibility rules that allow families receiving certain forms of government assistance to qualify for SNAP. It comes as millions of households continue to rely on the program, which currently serves approximately 36 million Americans.
New SNAP Eligibility Rules Could Remove Millions of Recipients
The proposed regulation would restrict a policy known as broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which allows states to extend SNAP eligibility to households receiving benefits through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Under existing rules, families receiving non-cash TANF services, including childcare support and employment training, can qualify for SNAP even when their income or resources exceed standard federal limits.
According to the USDA’s regulatory impact analysis, approximately 3.2 million households containing 6.3 million individuals would lose SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2029, when the proposed changes are expected to reach their full effects.
The agency estimates that 16.9 percent of participating SNAP households, representing 17.6 percent of recipients, would become ineligible because their income or resources exceed federal thresholds. Currently, 46 states use BBCE policies to expand eligibility. Of those, 37 have gross income limits above standard SNAP requirements, while 41 have eliminated resource limits.
The USDA argues that these arrangements have expanded eligibility beyond the program’s original purpose and weakened consistency between states.
In a statement reported by ABC News, a USDA spokesperson said broad-based categorical eligibility had allowed states to bypass established requirements and extend benefits to households exceeding federal income and asset limits.
The administration estimates the proposal would reduce federal SNAP benefit spending by approximately $44.649 billion over fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
School Meals and Other Nutrition Programs Would Also Face Changes
The proposal would have consequences beyond grocery assistance because SNAP participation can automatically establish eligibility for several other federal nutrition programs.
According to the USDA’s impact assessment, approximately 1.78 million children would lose automatic eligibility for free school meals. The agency estimates that around 97 percent of those children would remain eligible for free or reduced-price meals through a separate income-based application process.
Approximately 1.66 million would continue receiving free meals, while 93,000 would move to reduced-price meals and 28,000 would pay full price. The changes could also affect summer food benefits and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
USDA estimates that approximately 42,000 children could stop receiving summer electronic benefits beginning in 2029. Another 5,500 women, infants and children would lose WIC eligibility. Food assistance advocates have raised concerns about the effects on families with children.
According to ABC News, Cindy Long, a former administrator of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, said the proposal would substantially narrow the TANF services that can establish SNAP eligibility.
Ariel Taylor Smith of the National Parents Union also warned that children with disabilities and students from historically underserved communities could be disproportionately affected. The regulation remains a proposal and must undergo a 30-day public comment period before further consideration. If finalized as proposed, its full effects are expected in 2029.
