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USDA proposes ending broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP

Published on November 13, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a proposed rule on November 10, 2026 that would end broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The rule is a proposal and has not taken effect. Written comments must be received by December 10, 2026.1

What would change. BBCE allows a state to treat a household as eligible for SNAP when it receives a non-cash benefit funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), such as an informational pamphlet or a referral line. Many states use BBCE to set a higher gross income limit and to remove the asset test. The proposal would limit categorical eligibility to households that receive TANF assistance, which is largely cash aid. As of December 2025, 46 states used BBCE.1 Current state rules are described on the SNAP page.

Estimated effect. USDA estimates that 3.2 million households, or 6.3 million individuals, would no longer receive SNAP in fiscal year 2029. This equals 17.6 percent of current participants. These households would not qualify because their income or resources exceed the federal limits.1

Other programs. USDA estimates that about 1.78 million children would lose automatic eligibility for free school meals, and about 97 percent would still qualify for free or reduced-price meals through household income. USDA also estimates that 16,500 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants would need to certify another way, and 5,500 would no longer be income eligible.1

Current SNAP rules remain in effect until a final rule is published.

Sources & notes
Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Footnotes

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Reforming Categorical Eligibility, proposed rule, Federal Register, November 10, 2026, Docket ID FNA-2026-0661. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  1. New York Medicaid work requirements start January 1, November 9, 2026.
  2. TANF maximum benefit ranges from $204 to $1,366 by state, November 6, 2026.
  3. Education Department requires ID for FAFSA applicants after fraud case, October 30, 2026.
  4. Federal judge rules Medicaid medical frailty definition unlawful, October 30, 2026.
  5. FAFSA form opens early for 2027-2028 school year, September 27, 2026.