Proposed SNAP Rule Could Cut Benefits for 6.3 Million People

Published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the proposal would restrict broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Experts say BBCE streamlines SNAP applications and reduces administrative work for states and individuals. Under the proposal, households with gross annual incomes above 130% of the poverty line—about $35,500 for a family of three—would lose benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). The administration estimates 3.2 million households would be affected in fiscal year 2029, the first year the rule would take full effect. The USDA is accepting public comments for 30 days.

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) said the impact could exceed the administration’s estimate, citing the effects of SNAP reductions under the 2025 Trump-GOP budget law. It estimates 5.5 million people, including about 1.5 million children, have lost benefits since that law was enacted. FRAC also warned that losing SNAP could make it harder for families to access free school meals and for babies, young children, and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding parents to qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). SNAP recipients are automatically income eligible for WIC, the group said.

BBCE has faced opposition from Republican lawmakers and conservative policy advocates. Project 2025, published by the Heritage Foundation, called for reforming the policy.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, called the proposal “heartless and cruel,” saying it would make it harder for families to meet basic needs and undermine state efforts to streamline federal programs. Ty Jones Cox, CBPP’s vice president for food assistance, said the administration was making it harder for people to feed their families.