Michigan had more than 167,000 fewer people enrolled in food assistance between June 2025 and August 2026, and a provision restricting eligibility based on refugee or asylum status could affect Dearborn residents.

Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fell nearly 12% statewide during that period, as reported by BridgeDetroit on Monday, Oct. 12. The June 2025 and August 2026 state reports show that child enrollment fell by more than 53,000. About 1.2 million Michiganders received SNAP in August.

The decline follows new federal rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law generally requires able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 to work, volunteer or participate in approved training for at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits beyond three months in a three-year period, unless they qualify for an exemption. Some approved community service arrangements have different hour requirements, according to Michigan’s eligibility manual. Previously, adults over 54 or with a child under 18 were exempt.

The law also removed specific work-rule exemptions for people experiencing homelessness, veterans and young adults who aged out of foster care. Refugees and people granted asylum are no longer eligible for SNAP based on those statuses alone. Those who obtain lawful permanent resident status may still qualify, according to USDA guidance.

What it means locally

During a separate SNAP disruption in November 2025, state Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn, said in a statement that more than 50,000 residents in his District 3 relied on the program.

Fifteen counties and six cities, including Detroit, are covered by geographic waivers of the time limit because of high unemployment rates, according to MDHHS. Dearborn and Wayne County are not on that list. Individual exemptions may still apply.

Analysts say economy is not driving the decline

Policy analysts say the enrollment drop does not reflect an improving economy. Michigan's unemployment rate has held steady at about 5% while SNAP rolls have shrunk, according to Julie Cassidy, senior policy analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy.

"Families are not dropping off of SNAP because they are better off financially," Cassidy told the Detroit Free Press in reporting shared by BridgeDetroit. "That need is still there and it is growing."

Erin Frisch, senior deputy director for the economic stability administration at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, told the Free Press that many recipients are losing benefits because they do not understand the new paperwork requirements or miss key communications from the state. Frisch said those families will turn to food banks and churches, and community organizations cannot make up the difference.

Food pantry demand rises

At Fish & Loaves, a grocery-style food pantry in Taylor, CEO Stephanie McNees said the pantry regularly receives calls from people asking to fulfill their new SNAP work requirements by volunteering there, according to the Free Press report shared by BridgeDetroit. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes reported a 56% jump in people seeking help, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.

Rising costs for Michigan

The state also faces a new financial burden. As of Oct. 1, Michigan must cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from a previous 50-50 split with the federal government. That shift is expected to add about $95 million annually in state costs, according to MDHHS. Separate benefit cost-sharing requirements, scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2027, could add hundreds of millions annually depending on Michigan’s payment error rate.

Where to get help

Residents with questions about the new SNAP rules can call the Food Bank Council of Michigan's helpline at 888-544-8773, available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To find area food pantries, residents can call Michigan 211.