SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025
SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would remove the cap on housing cost deductions for SNAP (food assistance) benefits. Currently, households can only deduct up to $712 per month in housing costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) when calculating their benefits, unless someone in the household is elderly or disabled.
The bill would allow all households to deduct their full housing expenses above 50% of their income, potentially increasing SNAP benefits for those with high housing costs. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects low-income households receiving SNAP benefits, particularly those in high-cost housing markets where rent and utilities exceed the current $712 cap. It could increase monthly food assistance for eligible families struggling with significant housing expenses. **Current Status** The bill (HR 793) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House yet.
CRS Official Summary
SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025This bill repeals the shelter deduction cap for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit, thereby allowing a household to deduct all allowable housing expenses (e.g., rent or mortgage, electricity, and water costs) that exceed 50% of a household's income after other deductions when calculating net income to determine SNAP benefits.Under current law, the shelter deduction is capped (unless at least one household member is an elderly or disabled individual), and the cap is adjusted annually for inflation. In FY2025, the shelter deduction is capped at $712 for households in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.