Key Changes Coming to US Food Aid Program: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Numbers You Need to Know

President Donald Trump’s tax cut plan, which aims to save trillions, could also mean cuts in spending for programs that help lower-income individuals, such as food assistance. Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are on the table. These changes might force states to take on more costs and could require millions more recipients to work or lose their benefits.

The House recently passed a bill on this, but the Senate is still debating it. Trump hopes to have this legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” ready by July 4.

SNAP Overview

SNAP, once called food stamps, began aiding Americans in need back in 1939. It evolved significantly, with the modern version starting in 1979. Today, low-income families can get monthly payments to help with food costs. Currently, individuals earning less than $1,632 a month and families of four earning less than $3,380 can qualify.

Recent data shows that about 42 million people nationwide received SNAP benefits as of February, which means roughly one in eight Americans relies on this aid. Participation has declined from a peak of 47.6 million in 2013, with about 22.5 million households enrolled and receiving an average of $353 monthly.

Proposed Changes

The House bill could cut SNAP funding by about $295 billion over the next ten years. Most of this savings would come from shifting costs to states. Some proposed rules could force certain recipients to work more hours, potentially cutting off benefits for nearly 3.2 million people.

Now, adults aged 18 to 54 must work or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month. The new legislation might expand these requirements to people aged 55 to 64 and parents without young children. This shift would limit states’ abilities to waive these requirements even in areas with few jobs.

The bill would also cap growth in food benefits, which experts estimate will decrease the average monthly benefit by around $15 by 2034.

State Impact and Future Reactions

States currently pay part of the administrative costs of SNAP but could face higher expenses under the new bill. Most states will likely have to cover up to 25% of food benefits if their payment error rates are high. Currently, the national error rate is around 11.7%, meaning many states could see added financial pressure.

The Senate’s vote on this proposal is likely to be tight, reflecting concerns over potential cuts and implications for the federal deficit. Some Republican senators have expressed worry about the impact of these proposed cuts, particularly on vulnerable communities.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to SNAP and the broader tax cuts raise crucial questions about support for lower-income families. As lawmakers debate these changes, the outcome will not just affect budgets but the lives of millions who depend on food assistance. Understanding these dynamics is vital for grasping the future of social safety nets in America.

For more detailed information on SNAP’s history and regulations, you can visit the official SNAP history page.

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