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 as new work requirements from President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” take effect.

The decline includes people who do not meet tighter rules and, advocates say, some who qualify but 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 implementing new federal rules caused the decline.

Tia Fields, a policy analyst at Invest in Louisiana, said most people she sees lose coverage due to administrative 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, a drop of more than 13%.

The new law now requires most adults aged 55 to 64 and those with children aged 14 to 17 to work, volunteer, or attend school.

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.