Millions of Americans are losing SNAP benefits: "It feels as though people are being punished"
Updated on: September 30, 2026 / 12:38 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) extended SNAP work requirements from age 54 to 64, causing many to lose benefits.
- About 5.2 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits since the OBBBA was enacted.
- States will be required to pay 75% of SNAP administrative costs starting October 1, up from 50%.
- Starting in October 2027, states with high error rates may have to pay up to 15% of benefits.
- Stricter work requirements mandate recipients aged 18-64 work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month.
- Recipients report struggling to navigate new requirements, prove medical conditions for waivers, and cope with rising costs of living.
- Grocery prices have increased significantly, and inflation is exacerbated by higher energy costs.
- Food bank demand is increasing, with some states considering dropping out of the SNAP program due to financial strain.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture halted its food insecurity study in 2025, leading to concerns about understanding the impact of SNAP cuts.
- Food insecurity has risen in the U.S., with researchers citing inflation and SNAP cuts as contributing factors.