The Harsh Reality: How Benefit Cuts Are Devastating 5 States

California stands at the top of the list for states most impacted by SNAP reductions. The Urban Institute projects that more than 3,000 families could lose all benefits entirely. New rules now require a Social Security Number (SSN) for every recipient and mandate the sharing of personal data with the federal government.

California’s Attorney General, along with 20 other states, is challenging these demands in court, citing violations of privacy laws. For households still eligible, benefit reductions are significant — some families may lose between $88 and $190 each month. Working households could also see average monthly cuts of $146, making it harder to keep food on the table.

In New York, the Medicaid side of the benefit cuts is hitting hard. Nearly 60% of the state’s rural hospitals are now at risk of closure due to reduced federal funding. Essential services such as obstetrics care may be eliminated in dozens of facilities.

The American Hospital Association estimates that Medicaid coverage losses will affect 1.8 million people in rural communities nationwide by 2034, with New York among the hardest hit. On the SNAP side, around 1,700 individuals in the state are projected to lose all benefits due to the new SSN requirement.

Florida is not part of the lawsuit challenging the new SNAP rules, but residents will still feel the impact. The work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents has been increased from age 54 to 64, and parents with children over 10 will now be required to work as well. By 2027, states must shoulder 75% of SNAP administrative costs — a shift that could cost Florida over $1 billion to maintain current service levels. More than 1,600 families are projected to lose all SNAP benefits, while others will see monthly reductions ranging from $79 to $114.

Texas has already lost 20 rural hospitals since 2010, and the latest Medicaid funding cuts threaten to close even more. Nearly 70% of rural hospitals in the state are expected to reduce or eliminate services, with over half now at risk of shutting down completely.

In terms of food assistance, Texas ranks fourth in projected SNAP losses. Around 1,500 residents are expected to lose all benefits, putting additional strain on food banks and community organizations.

Illinois is joining the lawsuit against the federal government over the SNAP data demand, but in the meantime, residents are preparing for significant cuts. More than 360,000 low-income households will see reductions, with over 1,100 families losing benefits completely. The changes to work requirements — raising the qualifying age to 64 and applying it to more parents — will also impact vulnerable populations, including veterans and those experiencing homelessness. The state will be required to contribute $705 million annually to maintain the program under the new cost-sharing rules.