USDA Plan Could Cut SNAP Food Benefits for 6.3 Million People

The Trump administration has moved to tighten the rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in a way that could end food stamp benefits for about 6.3 million people, Yahoo News reported ^[2].

NTD News reported that the Department of Agriculture plan would reduce SNAP benefits for 6.3 million people by 2029, with more families facing checks of their income and savings, and some children needing to apply separately for school meals ^[1].

What the rule changes

Under current rules, households that receive cash aid through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, known as TANF, qualify for SNAP automatically, without meeting federal income limits. The proposed rule would end that automatic eligibility and require those households to meet SNAP's own income rules, Yahoo News reported ^[2]. The rule says the change would make eligibility more uniform and preserve benefits for the truly needy ^[2].

The gap between the two programs explains the change. TANF eligibility varies by state and generally runs from 130% to 200% of the federal poverty level, while SNAP's limit is generally 130%, according to Yahoo News ^[2]. Some families above SNAP's line have been getting food stamps through the TANF door.

Who would be affected

The USDA's own analysis projects that about 6.3 million people, roughly 18% of SNAP recipients, would lose benefits, Yahoo News reported ^[2]. The department also estimates that 1.8 million children would lose automatic eligibility for free school lunch, because SNAP enrollment qualifies children for that program ^[2].

The bigger picture

The rule comes on top of earlier changes. More than 5.5 million people have already lost SNAP benefits since cuts in the tax law President Trump signed in July 2025, and enrollment now stands at about 36 million, Yahoo News reported, citing USDA data ^[2].

The two sides

Supporters argue that SNAP grew far beyond its purpose and that taxpayers deserve to know benefits go to people who truly need them. A program meant as a safety net should have consistent rules, they say, not a back door that lets some households qualify in one state but not in the next.

Critics see it differently. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, called the rule "heartless and cruel," Yahoo News reported ^[2]. Opponents warn that families on the edge could lose help with groceries at a time of high food prices, and that children could lose school meals.

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Have your say

The rule is only a proposal so far. The public has 30 days to comment, Yahoo News reported ^[2]. Whatever your view, this is the moment to be heard. The details of who qualifies will matter enormously to millions of households, and the comment period is how ordinary Americans get a voice before the rule is final.