Key Takeaways
- USDA proposed a SNAP eligibility rule on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, that would remove an estimated 6.3 million people.
- Against SNAP enrollment of about 36 million, the 6.3 million estimate equals about 17.5%.
- Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which is in use in 46 states, would end under the proposal.
- USDA opened both proposals to public comment for 30 days.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed a rule on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, that would restrict eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and remove an estimated 6.3 million people from it, according to USDA's analysis.
What the 6.3 million estimate means as a share of SNAP enrollment
The New York Times reported that SNAP enrollment had already declined by more than 5 million people, to about 36 million. Dividing USDA's 6.3 million estimate by that baseline of about 36 million gives 17.5%. The 6.3 million figure is a projection for fiscal 2029, when the rule would first be fully in force, not a count of current enrollees.
Newsweek reported that the proposal would end automatic SNAP eligibility for 3.2 million households, or 6.3 million individuals by USDA's count. The New York Times framed the 6.3 million as a further reduction.
How broad-based categorical eligibility works in SNAP today
Broad-based categorical eligibility, or BBCE, lets a household qualify for SNAP through a benefit or service paid for by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a cash welfare program. Newsweek reported that BBCE is in use in 46 states.
The New York Times, carried by the Philadelphia Inquirer, reported that states have dropped SNAP asset caps that generally sat at $3,000 for most households. They also lifted the income limit from the usual 130% of the federal poverty level, about $43,000 in yearly gross income for a family of four, to 200% of the level, about $66,000 for a family of four.
Who the USDA SNAP proposal would reach: children, school meals and state workloads
Because SNAP eligibility applies to other federal poverty programs, USDA estimates nearly 1.8 million children would lose free school meals, the New York Times reported. The agency also projected that over 5,000 would lose access to a program serving low-income mothers and children. Newsweek noted that children in SNAP households qualify for free school breakfasts and lunches automatically, with no separate application.
Newsweek reported that state agencies could face more administrative work, since they would have to verify the income and assets of potentially millions of people who had qualified automatically. The New York Times reported that USDA said in its proposal that the policy should be eliminated because it expanded the program "to households without demonstrated needs and reaches far beyond the congressional intent to simplify eligibility determinations for needy households."
USDA also cited instances of millionaires receiving SNAP benefits. Newsweek reported that the agency said, "It is irresponsible to Congress and the taxpayer to support regulations that permit this practice." Newsweek said it had contacted USDA for comment.
Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota who is ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, asked House Republicans to stand with Democrats against the changes. In a news release, she said: "This move by the Trump administration to take food assistance away from millions more elderly Americans and children is heartless and cruel."
USDA also filed a companion proposal to write work-rule changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 into law. It would extend the three-month limit for adults who miss work requirements to those up to age 64, instead of 55. Parents would be exempt only if a child is under 14, instead of under 18. It would also end temporary exceptions for homeless adults, veterans and young adults who aged out of the foster system.
This is not the first attempt. USDA proposed a similar rule in 2019, during the first Trump administration, and never finalized it. The Biden administration pulled that proposal in 2021, the New York Times reported.
People Also Ask
Who would lose food stamps under the USDA SNAP proposal?
USDA estimated the proposal would remove 6.3 million individuals, or 3.2 million households, from SNAP. The drop is projected for fiscal 2029, when the rule would first be fully in force.
What is broad-based categorical eligibility in SNAP?
Broad-based categorical eligibility lets a household qualify for SNAP through a benefit or service paid for through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, including some noncash ones, such as access to support hotlines or informational pamphlets. Newsweek reported that the policy is in use in 46 states.
Could the USDA SNAP rule affect school meals?
USDA projects that nearly 1.8 million children would lose free school meals, according to the New York Times. Newsweek reported that children in SNAP households qualify for free school breakfasts and lunches automatically.
Sources: Philadelphia Inquirer (New York Times), Newsweek.