Will SNAP Recipients Need to Reapply? Here’s What We Know

Almost 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, are facing questions about the future of their benefits due to recent changes and government discussions about fighting fraud.
 

What’s Happening with SNAP?

After the government reopened following a shutdown, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said there would be a review of SNAP to make sure only eligible people receive benefits.

There were concerns shared about preventing fraud, such as people pretending to qualify or using benefits in ways they shouldn’t.

Rollins suggested that SNAP recipients might need to reapply for benefits. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages SNAP, later clarified that no new requirement to fully reapply has been announced yet.

Instead, the USDA says they’re using the regular recertification process, which is how they check every so often if recipients still qualify.
 

Fraud Concerns and Reality

There have been claims that some SNAP benefits are going to people who should not receive them, such as people who have passed away. However, checks are not sent out—instead, benefits are added to EBT cards.

Most fraud happens when people misreport information or when benefits are misused, but government reports say that true fraud in SNAP is very rare. Most overpayments are due to honest mistakes.
 

Reapplying vs. Recertifying

 

• Recertifying: SNAP recipients usually have to recertify every 6 months or so, depending on their state. This means they must update their information, like changes in income or family size. It’s a shorter process and is just to confirm they still qualify.
• Reapplying: To reapply means starting over completely with a new application, which is a longer, more involved process. This is not currently required for everyone, but if someone fails to recertify in time, they would need to reapply.

 

What’s Changing Under New Laws?

A new law known as the "Big Beautiful Bill" was passed in July and made significant changes:
 

• Tightened eligibility so that only certain lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens can qualify.
• Increased work requirements for able-bodied adults up to age 65.
• Parents with children age 14 or older now must meet work requirements.
• Some groups, like veterans and people aging out of foster care, no longer have exemptions.
• States must now cover a higher share of costs and face stricter rules to extend benefits in high-unemployment areas.

 

Final Notes

For now, SNAP recipients are not being told to start the entire application process again. They do need to keep recertifying their eligibility as usual.

The USDA is still reviewing the program and may make changes in the future, but any new requirements will be clearly announced.

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