House Republicans Propose Major SNAP Changes: Stricter Work Requirements, Cost Shift to States
House Republicans have proposed significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known for helping low-income households in the United States purchase groceries. The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' aims to reduce federal spending while introducing stricter work requirements and shifting costs to states.
Currently, SNAP reaches about 42 million Americans, with an average monthly benefit of $188 per person. The program is administered by states but funded federally, costing around $100 billion in 2024. States with the highest participation rates relative to population include Mississippi, New Mexico, and Louisiana, though specific recent percentages are unavailable.
The proposed legislation seeks to reduce federal SNAP expenditures by nearly $300 billion over a decade. This includes $92 billion from stricter work requirements for participants up to age 64, an increase from the current limit of 54. There are also substantial changes planned for parents of young children. Additionally, $128 billion in reduced federal spending is targeted by shifting more program costs to states.
To qualify, households must typically be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line, which is about $33,600 per year for a family of three. The legislation aims to balance SNAP's budget while ensuring support for those in need.
The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' is set to undergo Senate review following its passage by House Republicans. If enacted, it will significantly reshape the SNAP program, potentially impacting millions of Americans. The bill's focus on work requirements and cost shifting to states aims to reduce federal spending while maintaining support for low-income households.
