For millions of Americans—working parents, disabled seniors, veterans, and children—SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are a vital source of nourishment. Without them, many families would be forced to choose between food and medicine, leading to empty refrigerators and skipped meals.
But now, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) threatens to cut these benefits drastically, risking hunger and hardship for 40 million people. Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences and what these changes mean for Americans in need.
Major Changes in SNAP Benefits Under the OBBBA
The OBBBA, which was passed this week, introduces sweeping cuts to SNAP and imposes harsh new requirements for beneficiaries. One of the most significant changes involves the penalties for states with high payment error rates.
Under this bill, states that fail to properly manage SNAP would be required to cover up to 15% of SNAP costs.
Here’s how it works:
States with error rates below 6% will not need to share any costs.
States with error rates between 6% and 7.99% will share 5% of the costs.
States with error rates between 8% and 9.99% will face a 10% share.
States with error rates over 10% will be responsible for 15% of the costs.
States like New York, with error rates near 25%, would face massive budget issues, potentially forcing them to cut benefits or withdraw from SNAP entirely.
Stricter Work Requirements and Exemptions
The OBBBA also tightens the work requirements for those receiving SNAP benefits. Some of the key changes include:
Raising the exemption age for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) from 54 to 64.
Ending work exemptions for parents when their child turns 15, reducing the age from 18.
Removing exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and youth aging out of foster care—protections that were put in place under the 2023 bipartisan agreement.
Experts predict that around 270,000 vulnerable Americans could lose their benefits due to the new work requirements, even though many face challenges like unstable housing or mental health issues that make it difficult to maintain regular work hours.
The $300 Billion SNAP Cut Over the Next Ten Years
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the OBBBA will lead to $300 billion in SNAP cuts over the next 10 years. Among the most impactful changes is the freeze on the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the amount of SNAP benefits a family receives.
With this freeze, benefits will no longer adjust for inflation, locking aid to outdated food prices.
Additionally, the administrative costs for states will rise from 50% to 75%, making it more difficult for states to manage the program. There will also be new restrictions on eligibility, including capping deductions for utilities and internet costs, and limiting access to legal immigrants.
Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?
Projections show that over 40 million Americans—including 13 million children—will see reductions in their SNAP benefits. 8 million people could lose their benefits entirely if they no longer meet the eligibility requirements.
Democrats have sharply criticized the OBBBA, calling it a cruel move that “trades meals for tax breaks,” as Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) put it. On the other hand, Republicans argue that the bill will help curb fraud and encourage work.
Some experts also point out that SNAP benefits help support local economies. For instance, in Nebraska, 1,414 retailers rely on SNAP, generating $366 million in 2023. Reducing benefits could lead to store closures, particularly in food deserts, areas where access to fresh food is already limited.
Political Exemptions and Criticism
One of the more controversial aspects of the OBBBA is the error-rate waiver granted to Alaska, which has a GOP swing-voter senator in Lisa Murkowski. Critics argue this exemption is a political bribe aimed at rewarding poor management, highlighting the growing influence of politics in federal decisions.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents a dramatic shift in the way SNAP benefits are managed and distributed, potentially leading to food insecurity for millions of Americans.
With changes to work requirements, funding penalties for states, and a freeze on inflation adjustments, the bill could push vulnerable families further into hardship.
As lawmakers debate the future of SNAP, it’s clear that these proposed cuts could have long-lasting effects on those who rely on food assistance to survive. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay informed and advocate for the most vulnerable in our society.
