GAO Report Finds Gig Platforms Lead in SNAP Recipients

The United States Government Accountability Office reported that gig economy platforms, including Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, had the highest number of workers receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits among all major U.S. employers in 2025. This marks a significant shift from 2020, when Walmart and McDonald's held those positions. Gig platforms are now collectively the third-largest U.S. employer with workers on Medicaid.

The report suggests that taxpayers are effectively subsidizing these companies by providing a safety net for low-wage workers who lack traditional benefits. Financial instability for these workers is expected to increase following a 2025 tax and immigration bill signed by President Donald Trump, which introduced stricter Medicaid work requirements of 80 hours per month. Gig workers may struggle to prove eligibility due to inconsistent reporting formats across different apps.

In response to these challenges, some states are exploring portable benefits. New York utilizes the Black Car Fund to provide coverage via passenger surcharges. Meanwhile, California's Proposition 22 model relies on company-led implementation, a system critics argue creates higher barriers to access for workers.