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2d ago

USDA Moves to Overhaul SNAP, Signals Reapplications in Fraud Crackdown

Unclear implementation details leave states waiting for instructions on recertification plans.

File photo: a banner reads: "EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Accepted Here," at El Recuerdo Market in Los Angeles, on October 31, 2025.
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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks with Texas cattle ranchers outside the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 19, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Overview

  • States have resumed full November SNAP payments and December disbursements are expected on normal schedules after funding was restored through September 2026.
  • USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says she aims to “completely deconstruct” SNAP and have recipients reapply, yet the department has not issued formal guidance and points to existing recertification for now.
  • USDA reports that only 29 states supplied data used to flag about 186,000 presumed deceased recipients, roughly 500,000 duplicate-state enrollments, and about $102 million in unauthorized transactions in early FY2025, with officials citing 120 fraud arrests.
  • New work requirements from the One Big Beautiful Bill—80 hours per month with higher age thresholds—are moving into enforcement after the shutdown pause, and the CBO projects an average monthly reduction of about 2.4 million recipients over 10 years.
  • Sen. Joni Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act to narrow the Restaurant Meals Program after data showed roughly $250 million per year in SNAP spending on fast-food meals across nine states, with California accounting for the vast majority.