On November 14, 2025, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the Trump administration plans to require all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to reapply for benefits as part of a sweeping overhaul aimed at rooting out “fraud” and “waste.” The directive, shared during interviews on Newsmax and CNN, targets the program’s 41 million participants and could disrupt food assistance for millions of low-income families.
Rollins cited data from 29 Republican-led states showing “186,000 deceased individuals” allegedly receiving SNAP checks, calling the program “corrupt” and vowing to “fundamentally rebuild” it. “We will have everyone reapply for their benefits, make sure that everyone… is literally vulnerable and can’t survive without it,” she said on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight.”
This comes amid the recent 43-day government shutdown’s aftermath, which already strained SNAP funding and led to partial payments in some states. While states already require periodic recertification every 6–12 months, the federal push for a blanket reapplication could accelerate the process and intensify scrutiny.
Why the Push for Universal Reapplication?
The USDA’s move stems from a May 2025 initiative requesting states to share sensitive SNAP data, including Social Security numbers, to “verify eligibility.” A USDA spokesperson told The Hill: “Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends. Using standard recertification processes for households is a part of that work.”
Key claims from Rollins:
- Fraud Statistics: 120 arrests for SNAP fraud since January 2025; overpayments to deceased recipients in red states.
- Program Overhaul: Teased for weeks, with a full announcement expected soon. Rollins emphasized verifying “vulnerability” to protect taxpayer dollars.
- Data Collection: 29 states complied; blue states’ data could reveal more issues, per Rollins.
Critics, including anti-hunger advocates, argue fraud rates are low (under 1% per USDA audits) and that reapplication burdens could disenroll eligible families, especially seniors and disabled individuals.
How Reapplication Would Work
Under current rules, SNAP households recertify periodically to update income, address, and household changes. The new federal mandate would likely:
- Accelerate Timelines: Force all 41 million to reapply within months, not years.
- Data Verification: Cross-check against federal databases for employment, assets, and vital records.
- State Implementation: States handle processing, but federal funding ties could pressure compliance.
| Current Recertification | Proposed Universal Reapplication |
|---|---|
| Frequency: Every 6–12 months (or longer for stable households) | One-Time Push: All recipients within 3–6 months |
| Requirements: Update income, address; interview if needed | Full Reapplication: Resubmit all docs; fraud checks |
| Impact: ~10% disenrollment rate nationally | Potential: Millions at risk of gaps in benefits |
| Exemptions: Seniors, disabled, children-only households | TBD: Likely similar, but stricter verification |
No exact timeline was given, but Rollins indicated “in the coming weeks.” SNAP recipients should prepare documents now.
Potential Impacts on SNAP Families
- Disruptions: Processing backlogs could delay benefits, echoing shutdown issues.
- Who’s Affected: All 41 million, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors.
- Legal Challenges: Anti-hunger groups plan lawsuits, citing undue burden on vulnerable populations.
- Fraud Reality: USDA reports SNAP error rate at 11% (mostly overpayments, not intentional fraud); advocates say the program saves $1.50 in economic activity per $1 spent.
For step-by-step guidance on reapplying, visit How to Apply for SNAP Benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does this mean I have to reapply right now?
Not immediately—expect guidance in weeks. Monitor your state’s SNAP office for notices. Start gathering income proofs and ID now.
Will reapplying cut my benefits?
Possibly, if your situation changed (e.g., higher income). But the goal is verification, not automatic reductions. Appeals are available if denied.
What documents will I need?
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- ID and Social Security numbers
- Rent/mortgage/utility bills
- Household details (size, expenses)
Full list at How to Apply for SNAP Benefits.
Is SNAP fraud really that bad?
USDA says overpayments to deceased reached 186,000 cases in 29 states, but overall fraud is <1%. Most “errors” are administrative, not criminal.
What if I can’t reapply due to disability?
Exemptions likely apply—contact your state SNAP office. Legal aid groups like Feeding America offer free help.
This policy shift could reshape SNAP, balancing fraud prevention with access to aid. For eligibility checks or application tips, use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator. Contact your local SNAP office or call 1-800-221-5689 for personalized support.