Children Losing SNAP Benefits Under New Federal Law: What Families Need to Know
A significant drop in the number of children receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is underway following the passage of new federal legislation, according to recent analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). If your family has received a notice about reduced or terminated SNAP benefits — or if you're worried about what these changes mean for your household — this guide breaks down what changed, who is most affected, and what other food assistance programs may be available to you.
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What Changed in Federal SNAP Law
The legislative changes affecting SNAP eligibility for children center on two major policy shifts: restrictions to broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) and expanded work requirements that indirectly affect household eligibility.
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) Restrictions
Under previous federal policy, many states used BBCE to extend SNAP eligibility to households with incomes slightly above the standard federal threshold — in some states, up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). BBCE also allowed states to eliminate the asset test for many households, making it easier for working families with modest savings to qualify.
The new law significantly curtails states' ability to use BBCE. This means:
- Income limits revert to the standard federal threshold: Gross income at or below 130% FPL and net income at or below 100% FPL for most households.
- Asset tests are reinstated in states that had previously waived them, which can disqualify families with even modest savings accounts or a second vehicle.
- Households that previously qualified through BBCE — particularly working families with incomes between 130% and 200% FPL — may no longer meet the federal standard.
For a family of four, 130% FPL represents a meaningful income ceiling. Families who were receiving SNAP under expanded state rules may find themselves cut off even if their financial situation hasn't changed.
Expanded Work Requirements
The legislation also expands SNAP work requirements, which previously applied primarily to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18 and 49. The new rules:
- Extend work requirements to adults up to age 54 in the ABAWD category.
- Tighten exemption criteria, making it harder for caregivers and individuals with informal work arrangements to qualify for exemptions.
- Affect household eligibility indirectly: When a parent or caregiver in a household loses SNAP due to work requirement non-compliance, children in that household may also lose benefits depending on how the case is structured.
This is one of the primary mechanisms through which children — who are not themselves subject to work requirements — are losing access to SNAP.
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Who Is Most Affected
According to CBPP's analysis, the households most likely to see children lose SNAP access include:
- Working families with incomes between 130% and 200% FPL who qualified under BBCE in their state.
- Single-parent households where the parent may struggle to meet new work requirement documentation standards.
- Families with assets such as a second car used for work, or small savings, that now push them over reinstated asset limits.
- Households in states that had the most expansive BBCE policies, since those states face the largest rollbacks.
The impact is not uniform across the country. States that had adopted BBCE broadly — including many in the Northeast, Midwest, and West — will see larger caseload drops than states that had already maintained stricter eligibility rules.
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If Your Family Received a SNAP Reduction or Termination Notice
Receiving a notice that your SNAP benefits are being reduced or ended is stressful, but you have rights and options. Here's what to do:
Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully
Your state SNAP agency is required to send an advance notice before reducing or terminating benefits. The notice must explain: - The reason for the change - The effective date - Your right to request a fair hearing
Step 2: Request a Fair Hearing Immediately
If you believe the decision is wrong — or if your circumstances have changed — you can request a fair hearing. Deadlines are typically 10 to 90 days from the notice date depending on your state. Do not wait. In many states, if you request a hearing before the effective date of the action, your benefits may continue at the current level while the hearing is pending (this is called "aid paid pending").
Contact your local SNAP office or state agency to request a hearing. You can find your state agency through Benefits.gov.
Step 3: Gather Documentation
Whether you're appealing a decision or reapplying, you'll typically need: - Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport) - Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement) - Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, employer letters, benefit award letters) - Proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare, medical costs for elderly or disabled members) - Social Security numbers for all household members applying - Immigration status documentation if applicable
Step 4: Reapply If Circumstances Have Changed
If your income has dropped, your household size has changed, or you've lost a job since your case was last reviewed, you may now meet eligibility requirements even under the new rules. Reapplying is always worth exploring.
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Other Food Assistance Programs That May Be Available to Families with Children
If your family is no longer eligible for SNAP or is waiting on an appeal, several other programs may help bridge the gap.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 with incomes at or below 185% FPL. WIC provides specific food packages, nutrition counseling, and referrals. WIC eligibility is separate from SNAP — losing SNAP does not automatically affect WIC eligibility. Contact your local health department or WIC clinic to apply.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
Children in households with incomes at or below 130% FPL may qualify for free school meals; those between 130% and 185% FPL may qualify for reduced-price meals. Schools administer these programs directly. Contact your child's school or district to apply — a new application may be required if your SNAP case closes, since automatic certification through SNAP may no longer apply.
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
The Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, provides grocery benefits to school-age children during summer months when school meals are unavailable. Eligibility is generally tied to free and reduced-price meal eligibility. Check with your state to confirm whether SUN Bucks is available and how to apply.
Local Food Banks and Pantries
Food banks operated through the Feeding America network and local community organizations do not have income eligibility requirements in most cases. They can provide immediate food support while you navigate program changes. Use the Feeding America food bank locator at feedingamerica.org to find a pantry near you.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Families with children who have lost income may also want to explore TANF, which provides cash assistance and supportive services. TANF is administered by states and eligibility rules vary significantly. Benefits.gov can help you identify your state's TANF program.
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How to Learn About Your Options
Navigating these changes on your own is hard. Here are the most direct paths to getting information:
- Benefits.gov — Enter your household information to see which federal programs you may be eligible to explore.
- Your state SNAP agency — Search "[your state] SNAP office" or visit your state's health and human services website.
- 2-1-1 — Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to reach a local social services helpline that can connect you with food assistance, utility help, and other programs in your area.
- Legal aid organizations — If you're appealing a SNAP decision, free legal aid may be available in your area. Search "legal aid [your city or state]" or visit lawhelp.org.
If you fill out any online form to learn about your options, note that by submitting your information you may be consenting to be contacted about assistance programs. Review any consent language carefully before submitting.
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People Also Ask
Why are children losing SNAP benefits if they didn't do anything wrong? Children lose SNAP access when their household no longer qualifies — not because of anything the child did. The new law restricts state flexibility to extend eligibility above 130% FPL and reinstates asset tests, which can disqualify working families. When a parent loses eligibility due to work requirement rules, children in the same case may also lose benefits depending on how the household case is structured.
Does losing SNAP affect my child's WIC benefits? No — WIC and SNAP are separate programs with separate eligibility rules. Losing SNAP does not automatically terminate WIC. WIC serves children up to age 5 in households at or below 185% FPL. If your child is currently enrolled in WIC, contact your WIC clinic to confirm your case status independently.
Can I appeal if my family's SNAP benefits were cut? Yes. You have the right to request a fair hearing through your state SNAP agency. Deadlines vary by state but are typically between 10 and 90 days from the notice date. If you request a hearing before the termination date, your benefits may continue while the hearing is pending. Contact your local SNAP office as soon as possible.
What income limit applies to SNAP for families with children under the new law? Under the standard federal rules now more broadly in effect, most households must have gross income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and net income at or below 100% FPL. Some households with elderly or disabled members have different net income rules. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income.
Are there food programs for school-age children who lost SNAP? Yes. The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible children regardless of SNAP status. The Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program may provide grocery benefits during summer. Local food banks through the Feeding America network are also available without income verification in most cases.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026