But to the millions of families already on tight budgets, the difference between “recertifying” versus “reapplying” for SNAP is more than just paperwork-it’s the difference between a quick check-in versus a full restart that can delay or even disrupt food assistance. Confusion has mounted over whether a full reapplication process will be required since Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicated a full reapplication could be on the horizon, while the USDA later clarified it is sticking to standard recertification for now. That uncertainty comes as sweeping changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” reshape eligibility, work rules, and state responsibilities, leaving many wondering what’s next for their benefits.
1. Recertification vs. Reapplication—Why It Matters
Recertification is a routine process that most SNAP participants go through every six to twelve months, depending on their state’s rules. It is shorter because it focuses on updating existing information and often can be done online. In contrast, reapplication involves starting from scratch-submitting proof of identity, residence, income, and expenses, among others-and then includes an eligibility interview before waiting up to a 30-day wait for a decision. This new law increases the share of administrative costs that have to be borne by the states to as much as 75%, so requiring almost 42 million Americans to reapply would make this procedure expensive both in time and money for households and agencies alike.
2. The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’—Largest SNAP Cuts in History
The law, signed in July, cuts SNAP funding by $186 billion through 2034 and increases the work requirements. It requires able-bodied adults with no dependents to work at least 80 hours a month until age 65, up from 55. Parents or household members must also work if a dependent child is 14 or older. Veterans, unhoused individuals, and people aging out of foster care can no longer be exempt. States can also no longer extend benefits in areas where unemployment is more than 10%, unless very specific conditions are met, according to the new eligibility standard. Along with the tightened requirements, eligible recipients are limited to lawful permanent residents, excluding most refugees and humanitarian entrants
3. Fraud Claims vs. Reality
Rollins cited preliminary estimates of 186,000 “deceased” people receiving SNAP “checks,” although the agency distributes its benefits through EBT cards. USDA identifies three categories of fraud: misrepresentation of income or identity, retailer trafficking, and theft through card skimming. However, a report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service labels SNAP fraud as “rare,” explaining that the majority of overpayments result from unintentional errors. In 2019, approximately half of overpayments and 80% of underpayments were attributed to state errors, not to deceit on the part of recipients.
4. Impact on Vulnerable Groups
SNAP presently covers about 12% of the population in the United States, the bulk of which is elderly, disabled, and children. The cuts and other rigid rules will hit these groups hardest. Immediately, 250,000 refugees and humanitarian visa holders lose eligibility for SNAP under the new law. Many such households have already been experiencing food insecurity: by 2022, 37% of SNAP participants reported inadequate access to food.
5. State Strategies to Reduce the Burden
Some have taken steps to minimize administrative hurdles through longer recertification periods, simplified income reporting, and online services. By the end of 2022, 33 states had implemented all three policies that raise participation and lower per-case costs. Such strategies can help ensure eligible families keep their benefits without needless interruptions and may be crucial when reapplication becomes mandatory.
6. Food Security Risks
Cuts to SNAP, taken together with cuts to Medicaid and ACA subsidies, threaten to exacerbate food insecurity and make health outcomes even worse. In 2022, 52.8 million people lived in food-insecure households, 14.6 million of them children. The loss of SNAP often forces families to rely on food banks, but those charities provide just one meal for every nine that SNAP delivers. ‘
7. Administrative Costs and State Penalties
New rules will require states whose payment error rates exceed 6% to pay a portion of benefit costs themselves, up to 15%, beginning in 2028. That may lead states to curb the verification processes, further complicating access issues for beneficiaries. While accuracy is important, putting too much emphasis on error rates will cut access for people who actually need the benefits, say experts.
8. Preparing for Changes
Households should continue to check state SNAP portals for updates, keep their contact information fresh, and start gathering documentation-pay stubs, medical records, utility bills-well in advance of their next recertification. Those who will become ineligible should reach out to local food banks, community meal programs, and legal aid services, particularly for immigration-related cases.
Over the coming months, millions of people reliant on SNAP will be expected to meet new procedural and policy demands. Whether the process stops at streamlined recertification or proceeds to full reapplication, being prepared and informed will be crucial in keeping food on the table.
