More than 1.2 million children have lost access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since last July, according to PBS reporting — and food security experts say the vast majority of those losses were not because families became financially stable. They happened because of paperwork. If your household recently lost SNAP coverage, or if you have never applied and are struggling to afford food, this article explains what changed, why it happened, and what options may be available to your family right now.

Data Snapshot

SNAP is the largest federal food assistance program in the United States. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the program served approximately 42 million Americans per month in fiscal year 2023, including roughly 21 million children (source: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/data-tables). The average monthly SNAP benefit per person was approximately $187 in FY2023 — though benefit amounts vary significantly by household size, income, and allowable deductions.

The post-pandemic unwinding of continuous enrollment protections — which had prevented states from removing anyone from SNAP during the public health emergency — triggered one of the largest disenrollment waves in the program's history. Anti-hunger researchers estimate that a substantial share of the more than 1.2 million children who lost benefits remained income-eligible but were dropped for procedural reasons: a missed renewal deadline, an outdated mailing address, or a form that never arrived.

What Happened to SNAP After the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, federal rules allowed states to keep households enrolled in SNAP without requiring the standard periodic renewals. This "continuous enrollment" protection meant that even if a family missed a check-in or failed to return a renewal form, their benefits continued uninterrupted.

When those protections expired, states were required to return to standard renewal procedures. Many states were simultaneously working through years of backlogged cases that had accumulated during the emergency period. The result: millions of households — including more than 1.2 million children — were removed from SNAP rolls in a compressed window of time.

Why Procedural Losses Matter

A "procedural loss" means a household was removed from SNAP not because their income or circumstances changed, but because of an administrative breakdown — a renewal packet that was sent to an old address, a phone number that was no longer active, or a form that was returned incomplete. Food security researchers and legal aid advocates have consistently flagged procedural disenrollment as a serious equity problem.

The families most likely to miss paperwork are often those dealing with housing instability, limited English proficiency, unreliable mail service, or lack of consistent internet access — the same families that food assistance programs are designed to serve. If your household was dropped from SNAP for procedural reasons, you may still meet the income and household requirements to receive benefits. Reapplying is an option available to you at any time.

Who May Still Be Eligible for SNAP

SNAP eligibility is based primarily on household income and size. Most households must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify. Some households — particularly those that include an elderly or disabled member — may qualify under different income rules.

Here is a general breakdown of how eligibility is structured:

  • Gross income test: Most households must earn at or below 130% FPL
  • Net income test: After allowable deductions — including housing costs, dependent care expenses, and medical costs for elderly or disabled members — net income must be at or below 100% FPL
  • Asset limits: Some states apply asset or resource limits; others have eliminated them through broad-based categorical eligibility policies
  • Categorical eligibility: Households already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or certain other benefits may automatically meet SNAP income requirements in many states

Because income thresholds are tied to FPL and updated annually — and because state rules vary significantly — the most reliable way to understand whether your household may qualify is to contact your state SNAP agency directly or use the benefit pre-screening tool at Benefits.gov.

Steps to Reapply for SNAP

Whether your household lost SNAP coverage recently or you are applying for the first time, here is a practical path forward.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Having your paperwork ready before you apply can shorten processing time. Collect the following:

  • Proof of identity: Driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate
  • Proof of residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail showing your current address
  • Proof of income: Pay stubs, employer letters, or benefit award letters for all household members
  • Social Security numbers: For all household members who are applying
  • Proof of deductible expenses: Rent or mortgage statements, childcare receipts, utility bills
  • Immigration documents: If applicable to any household member

Step 2: Apply Through Your State Agency

SNAP is administered at the state level by each state's Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or equivalent agency. You can apply through several channels:

  • Online: Most states offer online application portals. Search "[your state] SNAP application" or visit Benefits.gov for direct links to state portals
  • In person: At your local social services or human services office
  • By mail or fax: Many states still accept paper applications
  • By phone: Some states allow telephone applications, particularly for elderly or disabled applicants

Step 3: Complete Your Interview

Most states require an eligibility interview — typically conducted by phone — as part of the application process. This interview is usually scheduled within a few days to a few weeks of submitting your application. Be prepared to discuss your household composition, all sources of income, and your monthly expenses.

Step 4: Know the Processing Timeline

Standard SNAP applications must be processed within 30 days of submission. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP — benefits that can be issued within 7 days of application. When you apply, ask your caseworker whether your household may be eligible for expedited processing.

Other Food Assistance Programs That May Help

SNAP is the largest federal food assistance program, but it is not the only one. If your family is waiting on a SNAP determination or exploring all available options, these programs may also be worth looking into.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income requirements — generally at or below 185% FPL. WIC provides specific food packages, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services. It is administered separately from SNAP and has its own application process. Contact your local WIC office or your state health department's website to learn more.

National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs

Children from households at or below 130% FPL may qualify for free school meals. Children from households between 130% and 185% FPL may qualify for reduced-price meals. These programs are administered through individual schools and school districts — contact your child's school or district office for application information.

Local Food Banks and Pantries

FeedingAmerica.org's food bank locator can help you find a food pantry near you. Most food banks do not require income verification and can provide immediate food support while you navigate program applications. This is not a federal program, but it is a widely available community resource.

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

TEFAP is a USDA program that provides commodity foods to food banks and food pantries at no cost to recipients. You may be able to access TEFAP foods through your local food bank without a separate application. Ask your local pantry whether they distribute TEFAP commodities.

Your Right to Appeal

If you believe your household was incorrectly removed from SNAP, you have the right to request a fair hearing through your state SNAP agency. This is a formal appeal process that allows you to challenge a denial or termination decision. In most states, you have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing.

Contact your caseworker for information on how to file an appeal, or reach out to a local legal aid organization. Legal aid services are generally free to low-income households and can help you understand your rights and navigate the appeals process.

Food security advocates have also noted that several states received criticism for insufficient outreach before removing families from the rolls during the post-pandemic unwinding. If language access was a barrier — for example, if renewal notices were sent only in English — that may be relevant to your appeal.

A Note on Privacy and Consent

If you choose to submit any online form — whether through a state agency portal or an informational website — review the consent language carefully before submitting. Submitting a form may authorize the organization to contact you by phone, text, or email. You have the right to understand how your information will be used before you provide it.

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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: July 2025