SNAP recipients may have to reapply for the benefit as per the Agriculture Secretary’s announcement. The announcement came after the federal shutdown ended, so the recipients who are wondering about the reapplication can check the full details here.
The SNAP benefits payment will be fully rolled out after the government has reopened, which will make the recipients happy. Now, to make the benefit fraud-free, the government plans to overhaul the program as they are considering reapplication from beneficiaries.
42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits from their respective state administration each month for food and groceries. The reapplication process timelines and further details are yet to be released; however, it has created confusion among the recipients.
What’s the reason for starting the reapplication for the SNAP Benefits?
The USDA has announced the reapplication process for the SNAP benefit for all recipients due to the following reasons:
- The authority says they have received reports of payment errors or overpayments, such as the 29 states’ data showing that SNAP checks were issued for 186,000 deceased recipients. So, to identify the recipients, the reapplication process will come in handy.
- The USDA also reported fraudulent activities that can affect the beneficiaries and the system; hence, the reapplication process will help in identifying the people who really need the benefit and eliminate the fraudulent recipients.
- The reapplication will also allow the authorities to control the funds used and eliminate any misuse of the funds.
Who would need to reapply for the SNAP Benefit?
The Agriculture Secretary has not released any information about the SNAP reapplication process or its timeline. However, based on the current information, we can expect all the recipients to reapply; however, some may be excluded, such as:
- All recipients may have to reapply for the SNAP benefit whenever the authority begins the process; however, recipients who need to recertify their SNAP benefit may not have to reapply, as their verification will be done through that process. Recertify process involves verification of the person’s earnings, situation, and other information every 6 or 12 months.
- If you have to complete the SNAP interview or any assessment process related to the SNAP application, you must first complete it and check if the reapplication is really needed.
SNAP beneficiaries should check the official USDA website for the SNAP to learn more about the reapplication whenever the agency starts the process and see if you need to reapply, considering your renewal or verification was completed recently.
What should you do now?
With the SNAP benefit reapplication process in the picture, the recipients should consider the following things:
- The reapplication process for the SNAP benefit may vary from one state to another, as the application process varies, but it will be conducted as per the federal guidance; hence, you should check it with your state authority whenever the process begins.
- You should check the new SNAP eligibility rules implemented by the new law and see if you are still eligible for the benefit.
- The recipients should be prepared for delays, as the reapplication process can cause delays to your payment; however, it’s just speculation, maybe the authority will come up with a solution for this issue.
- Recipients who have received the partial benefit in November 2025 due to the shutdown before 17 November would receive the full benefits from the respective authority now, so do check your EBT cards.
What are the new SNAP eligibility rules?
The federal government had introduced some changes to the SNAP eligibility rules through the One Big Beautiful Bill that every recipient should know, such as:
- Your household must be below or at 130% of the poverty line, that is $15,650 for individuals, $26,650 for a three-person family, and $37,650 for a five-member family.
- The individuals who can work, aged between 18 and 65, and have a dependent living with them, should at least work 80 hours a month.
- The parents or family members should meet the work requirement if the dependent child is 14 or above.
- Veterans or young adults who left foster care or are homeless are no longer exempt from the work requirements.
- The states can no longer provide SNAP benefits beyond 3 months to the able-bodied adult without dependents. If you meet this condition, you will receive the benefit for 3 months only in 3 years, unless you meet the work requirement.
The SNAP benefit reapplication can begin as soon as the Agriculture Secretary indicated; hence, recipients are advised to check the official page frequently, to be aware of the process timeline and other details to complete it on time to receive the payment on time.
Disclaimer: SNAP reapplication details are for general awareness only. Eligibility and requirements are determined by official SNAP authorities.