Washington, D.C. – Thousands of former USAID employees and contractors are scrambling to make ends meet after the agency was gutted by the Trump administration. With mass layoffs and halted funding, many who once worked to provide international aid are now applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
Mass Layoffs Hit USAID
The recent decision to cut over 2,000 USAID positions has thrown employees and contractors into financial turmoil. Many were placed on administrative leave before being told their jobs were eliminated, leaving them without income or a clear path forward.
Organizations that relied on USAID contracts, such as EnCompass LLC and Creative Associates International, have also been forced to lay off hundreds of employees due to sudden funding freezes. These contractors, who once worked on global aid initiatives, are now struggling to cover basic necessities.
Applying for SNAP: A Lifeline for Many
With no paycheck coming in, many former USAID workers have turned to government assistance programs like SNAP to help buy food. SNAP provides financial aid to low-income individuals and families, allowing them to purchase groceries using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
To qualify, a household’s income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that means earning no more than $1,632 per month. Many recently laid-off USAID employees now fall into this category and are seeking help for the first time in their lives.
How to Apply for SNAP
Those affected by the layoffs can apply for SNAP through their state’s SNAP agency. The process involves submitting financial information and completing an eligibility interview. Once approved, recipients receive an EBT card, which can be used at authorized grocery stores to buy essential food items.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the personal struggles of former USAID workers, the agency’s dismantling has had global consequences. The sudden halt in funding has disrupted international aid programs that millions of people around the world rely on. Meanwhile, back home, those who once helped deliver aid are now in need of assistance themselves.
As more details emerge, many laid-off workers are calling for policy changes that could restore jobs and ensure a more stable future. But for now, their priority is simply putting food on the table.
