JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Millions of Americans were expected to have their SNAP benefits fully reinstated on Monday after the federal government reopened last week. However, there are new concerns for people who rely on these benefits, as the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said all recipients will be forced to reapply.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history temporarily halted those benefits, with many people struggling to put food on the table.
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But the challenges may not be over just yet for SNAP recipients.
Right now in Florida, most SNAP households already have to recertify every six months, which is pretty much a standard for other states. However, millions of Americans may have to reapply altogether for SNAP.
Here is what SNAP looks like on a national scale:
- 42 million Americans already rely on these benefits.
- Here in Florida, nearly 3 million people are on SNAP, which is around 13 percent of the population
- For fiscal year 2024, SNAP benefits cost $100 billion across the country
According to Politico, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Trump Administration is cracking down on “fraud” by making everybody reapply.
She did not give any more information, a timeline, or the process on how that would work, but said the administration wants to make sure that everyone on SNAP is “literally vulnerable and can’t survive without it.”
Rollins claimed 186,000 deceased men, women, and children are receiving a SNAP check, citing data from 29 states.
According to the USDA, when SNAP recipient fraud happens, whether it’s lying about income or identity, the penalties can be disqualification, criminal charges, fines, or even prison time.
To apply for SNAP benefits in Florida, you have to go to the state’s Department of Children and Families website and navigate to the My-Access page.
You have an “Apply Now” option and a “See If You Qualify” option.
You have to create an account before applying, but to see if you are eligible, you can answer a few questions and get recommendations.