SNAP Participation Plunges After OBBB With Arizona Leading Losses

Overview

• The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which published its study Wednesday, found SNAP enrollment fell by about 2.5 million people, or 6%, between July and December 2025.
• Arizona recorded the steepest drop, with state data showing more than 400,000 people—nearly 47% of participants, including about 180,000 children—losing benefits since July 2025.
• The One Big Beautiful Bill expanded work requirements, removed some exemptions, and shifted program costs to states, and researchers say tying future state liabilities to payment error rates gives agencies a reason to restrict access.
• Arizona officials say they moved quickly to cut their error rate from 8.8% toward a 6% target to avoid up to $195.4 million in penalties, while layoffs, thin staffing, and 1980s-era systems have slowed applications and interviews.
• The USDA praised shrinking rolls as improved integrity and President Trump touted the decline, while CBPP and FRAC warn deeper losses are likely as states start paying 5% to 15% of benefits in 2027 after last year’s shutdown already disrupted payments.