Do you receive food stamps? More than 6 million could lose their SNAP benefits

The Trump administration is moving to cut millions from SNAP food assistance under a new proposal.

The Trump administration is proposing changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that could result in more than 6 million people losing food assistance benefits.

The proposal, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, would restrict a policy known as broad-based categorical eligibility, or BBCE.

The policy allows households that receive certain benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, known as TANF, to also qualify for SNAP even if they exceed some of the program's income or asset limits.

TANF, a cash assistance program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, is also used by states to provide non-cash support such as child care subsidies, employment training and other services. Most states use BBCE to expand access to SNAP benefits.

Under the proposed rule, households that qualify for SNAP solely because they receive non-cash TANF benefits would no longer automatically be eligible for the food assistance program. The USDA said the change is intended to ensure benefits are directed to households with the greatest financial need.

According to an agency impact analysis, about 6.3 million people could lose SNAP benefits by fiscal year 2029 if the proposal is implemented. The USDA estimates that nearly 17% of households currently receiving benefits would no longer qualify because their income or assets exceed federal eligibility thresholds.

The proposal could also affect children who receive free meals at school. USDA estimates roughly 1.78 million children would lose automatic eligibility for free school breakfast and lunch programs as a result of the changes.

In a notice outlining the proposal, the department argued that current rules allow some households with incomes or resources above federal limits to receive SNAP assistance.

"The Department is aware of cases in which millionaires have received SNAP benefits," the proposal states.

USDA estimates the changes would reduce federal SNAP spending by about $44 billion over the next five years. The agency said allowing households that exceed federal eligibility limits to continue receiving benefits is "irresponsible to Congress and taxpayers."

The proposed rule would affect one of the nation's largest anti-hunger programs, which provides food assistance to roughly 36 million Americans.

The changes are not yet final. The proposal is open for public comment through Dec. 10, 2026, after which USDA will review feedback before deciding whether to finalize, revise or withdraw the rule.

If approved, the changes would not take effect immediately. According to the agency's analysis, implementation would not begin until 2029.

This story originally appeared on Telemundo San Diego.