SNAP enrollment falls over 13% in a year as new work requirements take effect

Federal data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fell by more than 13% over the past 12 months, decreasing from 42.2 million participants in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026. The decline accelerated after the implementation of expanded work-related eligibility requirements introduced under President Donald Trump’s recent legislation.

Arizona experienced the sharpest drop, with enrollment falling more than 50% between April 2025 and April 2026. State officials attributed the reduction to challenges in applying the new federal rules, including higher call volumes and additional verification steps. "Implementing the federally mandated changes triggered unprecedented call volumes and administrative hurdles, including additional verification requirements, creating real barriers for applicants," said Brett Bezio, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Other states also saw significant declines: Georgia, Louisiana and Nevada each reported drops exceeding 20%, while Florida recorded a 22% decrease. A Heritage Foundation research fellow suggested that part of the decline reflects a natural post-pandemic reduction in participation, adding, "If there are people that are leaving the welfare rolls because they're working and they're moving forward, that would be a step forward."

Critics argue that administrative burdens, rather than work compliance, are driving many people off the rolls. Tia Fields of Invest in Louisiana noted that "a lot of it is administrative paperwork." In Florida, the state’s Department of Children and Families said the decline aligns with its focus on promoting economic self-sufficiency.

The new requirements expand work, volunteer or school participation obligations to adults 55-64 and to parents of teenagers, while maintaining exemptions for seniors, young children, and those with health limitations. The Congressional Budget Office projects SNAP enrollment could fall below 34 million by 2036, but the current rate of decline exceeds its earlier forecasts.

Advocacy groups warn that reduced SNAP participation may strain other safety-net programs. Carolyn Vega of Share Our Strength said food banks and schools cannot fully replace SNAP’s scale, and Tia Fields highlighted potential impacts on children’s access to school meals and related nutrition programs.

States will soon face cost-sharing penalties if error rates in benefit payments exceed 6%, a measure slated to begin in October 2027, which could further affect eligibility determinations.