Key facts
- SNAP enrollment has dropped by more than 13% in a 12-month period.
- New work requirements and other provisions from President Donald Trump's legislation are contributing to the decline.
- Arizona experienced the largest enrollment drop, exceeding 50% in a year.
- Advocates suggest administrative paperwork issues, not just failure to meet work requirements, are causing people to lose coverage.
- Federal data indicates a decrease from 42.2 million beneficiaries in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May.
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has decreased by over 13% in the past year, a rate significantly faster than anticipated by the government. This decline is largely attributed to new work requirements and other provisions enacted as part of President Donald Trump's legislative changes.
Advocates suggest that administrative complexities and paperwork issues are preventing some eligible individuals from receiving benefits, alongside those who may no longer meet the tightened work requirements. The exact breakdown of these groups remains unclear.
Arizona has reported the most substantial drop in enrollment, with a decrease exceeding 50% over a 12-month period. Other states like Georgia, Louisiana, and Nevada have also seen significant declines.
Federal data indicates that SNAP enrollment fell from 42.2 million beneficiaries in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May, marking a substantial reduction from its recent peak. The Congressional Budget Office had projected a more gradual decrease over the next decade.
States may face financial penalties if their payment error rates exceed 6%, a factor that advocates fear could lead to more benefit denials to avoid risk. The implementation of these changes has proven challenging for some state agencies, such as in Arizona, which experienced unprecedented administrative hurdles.