H.R. 9456: SNAP Citizenship and Residency Act of 2026

This bill would change who can receive SNAP benefits, which are the federal food assistance benefits commonly known as food stamps.

What it would do

• It would limit SNAP eligibility for non-citizens.
• Under the bill, a non-citizen would only be eligible for SNAP if they:
  • are a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder), and
  • have already lived lawfully in the United States for 10 years starting from the date they were admitted as a permanent resident.
• It says this restriction applies regardless of any other law, meaning it would override other provisions that might otherwise allow some non-citizens to qualify.

Practical effect

• Some immigrants who currently qualify for SNAP could lose eligibility under this bill if they are not green card holders or have not yet met the 10-year residency requirement.
• Households with mixed immigration status could be affected if one member no longer qualifies, since SNAP eligibility can depend on the household’s composition and income.
• State agencies that administer SNAP would need to apply the new eligibility rule when determining benefits.

What it does not change

• It does not change SNAP benefit amounts or the general income rules for citizens and eligible households.
• It does not create a new benefit; it only changes the eligibility rules for certain non-citizens.

Relevant Companies

• None found