The number of households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has fallen by 13% nationwide following the enactment of new restrictions in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), according to newly released Census Bureau data and analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
Participation dropped from approximately 41.6 million people in July 2025 to 36.1 million by July 2026, the lowest level in 17 years. The decline occurred in 49 of 50 states, with Alaska being the sole exception. The sharpest decreases—20% or more—were recorded in eight states, while 48 states saw declines of nearly 5% or higher.
The OBBB, enacted on July 4, 2025, introduced stricter eligibility requirements for SNAP, including expanded work requirements. The changes made it harder for some recipients to qualify or maintain benefits, according to CBPP. The law also included provisions to hold states accountable for payment errors by requiring them to cover a portion of improper payments if their error rates exceed 6%.
State-by-state breakdown of SNAP participation changes (July 2025–July 2026)
The Census Bureau’s 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) provides a detailed state-level snapshot of SNAP participation. The survey, released last week, breaks down household data by receipt of benefits, household type, presence of children, and whether anyone aged 60 or older lived in the home.
Key findings from the ACS include:
- Nationwide, 134 million households were recorded in 2025, with a subset receiving SNAP benefits.
- Participation declined in every state except Alaska, with some states experiencing declines of nearly 10% or more.
- The data reflects the first full year of OBBB implementation, which coincided with the sharpest drop in SNAP rolls in nearly two decades.
Policy shift: Work requirements and state accountability
The OBBB introduced two major changes to SNAP administration:
- Expanded work requirements: More recipients are now subject to employment or job-training mandates to maintain eligibility.
- State cost-sharing for errors: States with payment error rates exceeding 6% must now cover a portion of improper payments, shifting some financial responsibility from federal taxpayers to state governments.
Proponents of the OBBB argue that the changes reduce wasteful spending and encourage self-sufficiency among recipients. Critics, however, contend that the restrictions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income workers and families with children.
Long-term implications
The decline in SNAP participation raises questions about food security for millions of households, particularly in states with the steepest drops. Advocacy groups warn that reduced access to food assistance could exacerbate hunger, while policymakers supporting the OBBB assert that the changes ensure fiscal responsibility and align benefits with economic recovery trends.
The Census Bureau’s full dataset, including interactive maps and detailed breakdowns by state, is available on its official website.