New SNAP Rules Cause 12% Enrollment Drop, Affecting 53,000 Kids in MI

Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have led to widespread confusion and significant enrollment drops in Michigan, affecting many families in need. With over 53,000 children among the 167,000 individuals who lost access to SNAP benefits, the impact is being felt across the state, particularly as food and living costs continue to rise.

Before the enactment of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in June 2025, approximately 1.4 million Michiganders were receiving SNAP benefits. By August 2026, that number had decreased by nearly 12%, with policy experts attributing the decline to rigorous new work requirements and increased bureaucratic obstacles. These changes coincide with a national trend of declining SNAP participation.

The new rules have introduced work requirements that have complicated the process for maintaining SNAP benefits. According to Erin Frisch, senior deputy director for the economic stability administration at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), many are losing their benefits due to misunderstandings about new responsibilities. Frisch expressed concern over the growing demand on food banks and community organizations, noting, “Folks are going to go to the food banks, to churches, wherever they might be able to go, to make up the difference.”

Revised SNAP Regulations Impact Michigan

Lisa McCracken, a resident of Taylor, Michigan, has experienced firsthand the effects of these benefit reductions. Despite increased living costs, her SNAP benefits have dropped from $293 to $180 monthly. Injured and unable to work, McCracken finds it challenging to meet new requirements such as obtaining a certified letter from her doctor or fulfilling work or school obligations. Her situation is indicative of many others across the state, as the adjustments to SNAP have broadened the scope of individuals required to meet work criteria.

The policy changes, enacted after the passing of the tax bill, now require able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 to work or volunteer to receive SNAP benefits. Moreover, the legislation removed exceptions for certain groups, including people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. These shifts have compounded the administrative burden, with Michigan now shouldering more of the program’s costs, projected to be $95 million annually.

Administrative Challenges and Financial Implications

The federal government has also altered the funding structure for SNAP’s administrative costs, now requiring states like Michigan to cover 75% of these expenses, compared to the previous 50%. Coupled with potential penalties for payment errors, the financial strain on the state is significant. Michigan’s error rate for fiscal year 2024 was 9.5%, which could lead to additional costs ranging from $320 million to $481 million annually if not reduced.

Efforts by MDHHS to improve payment accuracy have inadvertently added to the complexity, as increased documentation requirements slow down the process and limit access to benefits. As noted by Kate Bauer, a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, the focus on reducing errors is “mucking up the system,” causing delays in responses and unintentional benefit losses.

The broader implications of these changes are concerning, with experts warning of increased food insecurity and its associated health risks. As noted by Jennifer Garner, a registered dietitian, “Food insecurity is more greatly associated with poor health outcomes than even poverty alone,” highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

For assistance with the new SNAP rules, individuals can contact the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s F.O.R. Helpline at 888-544-8773, or visit www.fbcmich.org/food-bank-network for local resources. Additional support can be found at pantrynet.org and www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food or by contacting the Michigan 211 line.

—
Read More Michigan News