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SNAP enrollment declines by 13% following new work requirements
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has declined by more than 13% over a 12-month period, falling from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May. This drop is significantly steeper than previous government estimates and follows the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Key drivers of the decline include stricter work requirements, which now mandate 80 hours of work per month for many participants. These rules have removed previous exemptions for veterans, the unhoused, young adults aging out of foster care, and adults aged 55-64. Advocates suggest that administrative paperwork and overwhelmed state agencies have also contributed to people losing coverage.
Regional data shows significant variations. Arizona experienced the largest decline, with enrollment dropping by more than 50%. Georgia, Louisiana, and Nevada saw decreases exceeding 20%, while Florida reported a decline that state officials attributed to a focus on economic self-sufficiency. Proponents of the reform, such as the Heritage Foundation, suggest the reduction may indicate more people are entering the workforce and no longer require assistance.
Entities
Arizona · Donald Trump · Heritage Foundation · Invest in Louisiana · Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] Enrollment declined by more than 20% in Georgia, Louisiana, and Nevada. www.kaaltv.com · www.whec.com · www.latimes.com · progressivehub.net · wolbbaltimore.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Arizona experienced a 12-month enrollment decline of more than 50%. www.kaaltv.com · www.whec.com · www.latimes.com · progressivehub.net · wolbbaltimore.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] SNAP enrollment dropped by more than 13% over a 12-month period. www.kaaltv.com · www.whec.com · www.latimes.com · progressivehub.net · wolbbaltimore.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Reductions in enrollment may indicate people are working and no longer require assistance. www.kaaltv.com · www.whec.com · www.latimes.com · progressivehub.net · wolbbaltimore.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Administrative paperwork is a primary reason for the loss of coverage. www.kaaltv.com · www.whec.com · www.latimes.com · progressivehub.net · wolbbaltimore.com · +9 more