The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed Tuesday to narrow a route that states use to qualify households for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The agency estimates that about 6.3 million people would lose benefits under the proposal, Reuters reported. The proposal itself does not change anyone’s eligibility.
Which households could be affected
The proposed rule addresses categorical eligibility, which can allow a household to qualify for SNAP through benefits from a state program funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. USDA would limit that route to households receiving benefits that meet the federal definition of TANF assistance. Households that lose that route could still qualify under SNAP’s regular eligibility rules if they meet those requirements.
What happens next
USDA is inviting written public comments on the proposal. It is separate from another proposal published Tuesday concerning the three-month time limit for some SNAP participants subject to work requirements. Households can check their state SNAP office for the rules currently in effect.