Federal policy changes that took effect on September 1, 2025, are causing millions of Americans, including many children and adults in other eligibility categories, to lose SNAP food assistance at a faster rate than originally projected.
The new rules require stricter reporting of work requirements at both application and renewal, eliminate access to key waivers, and narrow exemptions. Eligibility is determined by household size, income, and whether a household member is over 60 or has a disability.
In Pennsylvania, SNAP participation has dropped from 1.9 million people in September 2025 to 1.7 million in May 2026.