Massive Cut To SNAP Benefits Incoming The newly elected politicians want to change many budgets and financial situations this year. Cost of living remains one of the most prominent issues for many voters, and many Americans are looking forward to the proposed changes to government benefit programs for low-income individuals.
The administration of Donald Trump has made recent proposals to one of its biggest budget slashes that could affect nearly 40 million people on federal assistance programs. With such proposal$, some would expect to see cuts in the SNAP program, proportionate cuts in Medicaid, and almost a complete dismantling of other necessary programs designed to help low-income families survive financially.
SNAP Benefits

SNAP assists low-income families in purchasing food. Advocated in 2024, the program will have benefitted more than 41 million people, giving them access to a nourished diet.
According to the new proposal for the budget, SNAP benefits can be cut by 20%. Such cuts will further burden struggling families in terms of affording basic food necessities. With varying food prices, the allowance cut by 20% would require the beneficiaries to compromise on their groceries or else they will have to supplement their food costs through other means.
The cost of living rises. As SNAP is a lifeline for so many families, such a budget proposal can lead many more Americans into food insecurity.
Medicaid Budget Cuts
Along with SNAP reductions, the proposal seeks to cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Medicaid is a federal and state healthcare program that covers one in five Americans, including low-income individuals, children, and seniors.
Medicaid provides coverage to over 70 million Americans, making it a critical component of the U.S. healthcare system. If these budget cuts are approved, states will be forced to:
- Reduce Medicaid eligibility, meaning fewer people will qualify for coverage
- Limit benefits, making essential healthcare services less accessible
- Lower provider reimbursement rates, which could discourage doctors from accepting Medicaid patients
- Legal analyst Aaron Parnas criticized the proposal, saying, “This budget from House Republicans seeks to eliminate Medicaid completely.”
Healthcare advocates argue that these cuts would be devastating for rural communities, where hospitals already struggle financially. Joan Alker, Executive Director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, warned that eliminating $880 billion in funding would end the federal guarantee for Medicaid that has been in place for 60 years.
Increased Strain

If federal funding is reduced, states will need to raise taxes or cut essential services to cover the gap. According to Michael Ryan, an expert on federal assistance programs, rural and economically disadvantaged areas would be the hardest hit.
“States will have to raise taxes or further reduce services to make up for the decline in federal support,” Ryan explained. “This will affect rural and economically disadvantaged areas, where these programs play an outsized role in supporting both individual welfare and local economies.”
FAQs
1. What is SNAP, and who does it help?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them afford nutritious meals.
2. Is there a confirmed plan to cut SNAP benefits?
There have been discussions and proposals suggesting cuts to SNAP benefits, but official decisions depend on congressional approval and policy changes.
3. How could the proposed cuts impact SNAP recipients?
If SNAP benefits are reduced, millions of recipients could receive less monthly assistance, making it harder to afford groceries and meet nutritional needs.
4. Why is there talk of cutting SNAP benefits?
Some policymakers argue for cuts to reduce government spending, prevent fraud, or promote self-sufficiency, while opponents say it could increase food insecurity.
5. When would these SNAP cuts take effect?
If any changes are approved, they would likely be implemented as part of the federal budget process, but the timeline depends on legislative action.