A dramatic overhaul of SNAP funding and eligibility in Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” sparked a fierce backlash with immediate consequences for millions of low‑income families.
At a Glance
- The legislation shifts at least 5% of SNAP costs and 75% of administrative expenses to states starting in 2028.
- Work requirements would apply to parents with children up to age 7, tightening eligibility for single-parent households.
- States risk financial strain and potential withdrawal from SNAP if they cannot cover coverage costs.
- Experts warn stricter rules could end access for veterans, the homeless, and older adults.
- Child poverty advocates say thousands could lose food support, deepening hunger.
Cost Shift Sparks Outrage
The bill mandates that states begin covering at least 5% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit costs and 75% of administrative expenses by fiscal year 2028—a shift critics call financially explosive. Newsweek analysis confirms that states unable to shoulder the burden may be forced to withdraw from SNAP entirely, leaving millions at risk.
Federal funding would decrease proportionally over time, especially for states with higher error rates or failing to meet verification targets. The financial impact is projected to be most severe in low-income and rural states, with governors and legislators warning of catastrophic budget shortfalls.
Work Rules Punish Families
In one of the most controversial provisions, the bill redefines “dependent child” from under 18 to under 7—meaning parents of children aged 7 or older must work at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for food aid. According to Times Union, this would disproportionately affect single-parent households, particularly single mothers, who would lose eligibility without alternative childcare support.
Work exemptions also shift, now applying mainly to married dual-parent homes, creating structural discrimination that analysts say penalizes female-headed households. Additionally, the bill strips states of broad waiver authority, restricting relief even for veterans, seniors, and the homeless.
Watch a report: SNAP Overhaul Threatens Single Moms
Hunger Deepens, Inequality Grows
The proposed federal rollback comes amid rising food insecurity, with forecasts showing thousands of households in every state could lose benefits. In Wisconsin alone, hundreds of thousands face disqualification under the new requirements.
Advocates argue that the changes will deepen child hunger, especially as parallel cuts to childcare and Medicaid compound family vulnerability. If passed, the bill would mark the largest federal retrenchment of anti-poverty programs in decades—what critics have dubbed a “social safety net decapitation.”
The Senate is expected to resume debate before July 4, placing the SNAP overhaul at the epicenter of national policy combat.
