Enrollment in SNAP, the largest U.S. food aid program, fell by more than 13% over 12 months.

That drop is far steeper than the government estimated.

New work requirements from President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” are now taking effect.

The decline includes people who do not meet tighter rules.

Advocates say some who qualify are rejected over missed deadlines or missing paperwork.

Arizona saw the nation’s largest enrollment drop, at more than 50% in a year.

The state said its own struggles with the new federal rules caused the decline.

Tia Fields, a policy analyst at Invest in Louisiana, said most people she sees lose coverage due to paperwork, not work requirements.

Rachel Sheffield of the conservative Heritage Foundation said people leaving the rolls because they earn more would be “a step forward.”

Federal data shows enrollment fell from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May.

That is a drop of more than 13%.

The new law now requires most adults aged 55 to 64 to work, volunteer, or attend school.

It also applies to those with children aged 14 to 17.

People 65 and older, those with children under 14, and those with health limitations remain exempt.

The Congressional Budget Office projected a slower decline.

But by May, enrollment was already about as low as it forecast for 2030.

In Phoenix, LaDiamond Lopez lost her benefits in January over income and household documentation.

She has skipped meals and bill payments to feed her children.

Some food banks have increased donations to meet rising demand.

But experts say they cannot replace SNAP.

Carolyn Vega of Share Our Strength said no other program can replicate SNAP’s scale and success.