Cut Off or Left Behind? How Americans on Government Assistance Feel About the Big Beautiful Bill

The newly passed federal legislation known as the "Big Beautiful Bill" has sparked concern among Americans who rely on government programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and disability assistance. Designed as a sweeping reform of government spending, the bill includes major funding cuts and tougher eligibility rules that could dramatically change the social safety net. For the more than 90 million Americans who depend on these programs, even minor policy changes can have life-altering effects.

While lawmakers championed the bill as a necessary measure, many affected individuals feel overlooked and at risk. A recent Atticus survey of over 500 government aid recipients reveals the emotional and practical toll of the new law and just how disconnected people feel from the decisions affecting their futures.

Key takeaways

• More than 3 in 4 Americans who depend on government assistance (77%) say the Big Beautiful Bill doesn't reflect their needs.

• 4 in 5 Americans who depend on government assistance are worried about losing it.

• 87% of Americans who depend on government assistance don't feel heard by lawmakers.

• More than 1 in 3 Americans who depend on government assistance (37%) say their children or partners would suffer if benefits were cut.

• 77% of Americans who depend on government assistance say changes to benefits could affect how they vote.

Most recipients are afraid of losing access to essential care and support

• 4 in 5 Americans who depend on government assistance are worried about losing it.

• If the federal program changes within the bill go into effect, 56% say they would have less healthcare access.

Which of the following proposed changes are you aware of?

• Cuts to SNAP or food assistance: 66%

• New Medicaid work requirements: 65%

• Restrictions on what SNAP benefits can be used for: 45%

• Changes to Medicare eligibility or coverage: 44%

• Increased paperwork or red tape to keep benefits: 41%

• Block grants or funding cuts to states: 40%

• Reductions in disability or SSDI funding: 25%

• I haven't heard about any of these changes: 9%

Percentage who say they understand how the Big Beautiful Bill could affect benefits or services for each program:

• Medicaid: 66%

• SNAP: 59%

• Medicare: 52%

• SSI: 30%

• SSDI: 29%

• Housing assistance: 29%

• TANF/Cash welfare: 28%

• Unemployment insurance: 24%

Understanding of program impact among benefit recipients:

• SNAP: 64%

• Medicaid: 51%

• SSDI: 42%

• SSI: 30%

Percentage who are worried about losing benefits, by type of government assistance:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): 88%

• TANF or cash welfare: 87%

• Housing assistance (e.g., Section 8, public housing): 87%

• SNAP (food stamps): 86%

• Medicaid: 83%

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): 79%

• Medicare: 77%

• Unemployment insurance: 56%

Many have already made sacrifices and fear more to come

• Among Americans who rely on government assistance, 37% say cuts would affect their children or dependents, 34% their spouse or partner, and 26% their parents or older relatives.

• More than 3 in 4 Americans who depend on government assistance (77%) say the Big Beautiful Bill does not reflect the needs of people like them.

• More than 1 in 3 Americans who depend on government assistance (35%) have contacted a representative, signed a petition, or taken action related to benefits.

• 77% of Americans who rely on government assistance say benefit changes could influence their vote, including 52% who say it would strongly affect them and 25% who are still undecided.

• 87% of Americans who depend on government assistance don't feel heard by lawmakers.

If benefits were cut, here's what beneficiaries say they'd give up first:

• Doctor visits or medications: 48%

• Fresh or healthy food: 37%

• Transportation: 10%

• Stable housing: 10%

• Access to internet or phone: 9%

• Child or elder care: 4%

Emotional responses to news about the Big Beautiful Bill:

• Anxiety: 59%

• Anger: 47%

• Fear: 40%

• Overwhelm: 39%

• Hopelessness: 35%

• Distrust or skepticism: 31%

• Confusion: 28%

• Motivation to take action: 13%

• Resignation: 12%

• No strong feelings: 11%

• Relief: 3%

Methodology

We surveyed 500 Americans who depend on government assistance to capture the real-time emotional and practical toll of the "Big Beautiful Bill." The average age of respondents was 42; 56% were women, 43% were men, and 2% were non-binary. Generationally, 11% were baby boomers (born 1946-1964), 26% were Gen X (1965-1980), 45% were millennials (1981-1996), and 18% were Gen Z (1997-2012). Due to rounding, some percentages in this study may not total 100% exactly.

About Atticus

Atticus is a public interest law firm that helps Americans in a crisis secure aid from the government. Through a dedicated team of lawyers and client advocates, we specialize in helping individuals claim their rightful benefits in challenging times.

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