Millions of Americans stand to lose SNAP benefits: here’s who is affected
A new report by the Congressional Budget Office has laid bare the devastating effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on low-income Americans.
Increased work requirements mean well over two million people in the U.S. will become ineligible for food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Released this week, the non-partisan CBO’s estimate includes hundreds of thousands of Americans who stand to be affected by tightened eligibility rules for households with dependent children.
The changes to SNAP benefits are part of Republican-led legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, which President Trump signed into law on July 4.
Who is affected by the new SNAP work requirements?
Up to now, people with dependents have not had to work to remain eligible for SNAP.
However, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” extends work requirements to adults aged 18 to 64 who live with children aged 14 or older. They will now have to work or attend a training program for at least 80 hours a month.
What’s more, these requirements will also apply to able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents. Previously, SNAP eligibility rules required certain able-bodied adults between 18 and 54 without dependents to work to receive benefits for more than three months.
In addition, the GOP bill has eliminated exclusions from work requirements for veterans; people experiencing homelessness; and adults aged 18 or 24 who were in foster care when they turned 18.
States’ ability to waive work requirements has also been restricted.
CBO estimates that as result of P.L. 119-21, resources will decrease for households toward the bottom of the income distribution, whereas resources will increase for households in the middle and toward the top of the income distribution. https://t.co/2mq0iJ0Nrd
— U.S. CBO (@USCBO) August 11, 2025
How many will lose SNAP benefits?
In its latest report, the CBO calculates that changes to the SNAP work requirements will see approximately 2.4 million lose their eligibility for food stamps. This includes around 300,000 people with dependent children.
“The agency estimates that, in general, resources will decrease for households toward the bottom of the income distribution,” the CBO said.
How many Americans are on SNAP food stamps?
SNAP benefited a monthly average of 41.7 million people in 2024, according to statistics published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. The scheme is worth an average of $187.20 per person per month.
“For decades, SNAP has been there for low-income families, and as a result, we have largely eliminated severe hunger and malnutrition in this country,” Katie Bergh of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities told CNBC this week.
“But that’s not a guarantee without the support that this program provides to help low-income families afford groceries.”
Reduced SNAP participation is also set to affect thousands of U.S. retailers that depend on income from the scheme, says the policy institute the Center for American Progress.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment