Trump Cracks Down on SNAP Fraud: How It Affects Your Benefits

Donald Trump is intensifying his crackdown against fraud in SNAP, and that could change how states manage food assistance. While there will be no immediate cuts, new rules could strain budgets, requirements, and renewals. The official focus is on payment errors. The USDA reported a national rate of 10.62% in 2025, with 10.1 billion dollars in incorrect payments.

What Did the USDA Find?

The USDA said the rate clearly exceeds the 6% threshold set by Congress. It also clarified that these errors include overpayments and underpayments. That’s important because not every error equals fraud. Organizations working on the issue point out that many cases stem from income changes, incomplete documentation, or outdated systems.

Gina Plata-Nino, from the Food Research and Action Center, told CBS News that error should not be confused with fraud. In her view, fraud implies intent, but error usually comes from administrative problems. Brian Jones, from the American Public Human Services Association, agreed with that warning. He said the program’s policy is very complex and requires extensive data.

What Changes for States?

The new OBBBA law requires states to maintain an error rate below 6%. If they fail to do so, they must cover between 5% and 15% of the cost of benefits starting October 2027. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that could add up to 9 billion dollars in additional costs for states. That figure is significant because many state governments already operate on tight budgets.

Katie Bergh, a CBPP specialist, warned that nearly half of the states will face copayments of 100 million dollars or more in the first year. Her alert shows that the change could be felt quickly in public budgets. That doesn’t mean an immediate cut for families. But it could push states to tighten verification procedures, conduct more audits, or change how they process applications.

Why Is Enrollment Declining?

As new rules advance, enrollment has already been falling. According to the USDA, about 37 million people were enrolled in March, nearly 5 million fewer than a year earlier.