January 6, 2026, marks five years since the U.S. Capitol attack. On this day in 2021, a mob stormed the Capitol building during the certification of the 2020 election results.
The event left five people dead and over 140 police officers injured. More than 1,200 people have been charged since then. Some were convicted. Others pleaded guilty.
Now, as the country remembers that day, many Americans are watching closely. Political changes in Washington could affect millions of families who depend on federal benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI.
What happened on January 6, 2021?
Supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in Washington, D.C. Trump held a rally and repeated claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He told the crowd to “fight like hell.”
After the rally, hundreds of people broke into the Capitol. They smashed windows and doors. They fought with police. Congress had to evacuate. The certification process stopped for hours.
The building suffered about $3 million in damages, according to official reports. One rioter, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer. One officer died the next day. Four others died by suicide in the months after.
The attack shocked the nation. Some called it an “insurrection.” Others called it a protest that went too far.
What has happened since then?
A House committee investigated the attack. They said Trump was responsible for what happened. Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate.
Later, Trump faced federal charges related to trying to overturn the election. Some of those charges were dismissed. After Trump won the 2024 election and returned to office in January 2025, he pardoned many people convicted in the January 6 cases.
On social media, the hashtag #January6th is trending around the world today. Posts are coming from all sides. Some people are calling it a dark day in history. Others are defending the rioters or downplaying what happened.
Why this matters for families on benefits
Political shifts in Washington often lead to changes in federal programs. When new leaders take office, funding and rules can change.
Programs like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, TANF, and WIC serve over 100 million Americans. Any changes to these programs affect real families trying to pay for food, medicine, and housing.
“People are worried,” said Jennifer Collins, a benefits counselor in Ohio. “They want to know if their checks are safe. They want to know if their health coverage will stay.”
Right now, there are no official announcements about cuts or changes to these programs. But advocates say families should stay informed and watch for updates from agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
What should benefit recipients do now?
Experts recommend the following steps:
Check your benefit status regularly. Log into your SSA account or your state’s benefit portal. Make sure your information is up to date.
Watch for official letters. Agencies send notices by mail when rules or payments change. Read them carefully.
Contact your local office if you have questions. Don’t rely only on social media for information. Call or visit your local Social Security office, SNAP office, or Medicaid office.
Sign up for alerts. Many state agencies offer email or text updates about changes to benefits.
The anniversary of January 6 is a reminder of how quickly things can change in politics. For millions of families, stability in federal benefits is critical.
As the nation reflects on that day five years ago, benefit recipients are watching Washington closely. They want to make sure their support stays in place.
For now, no changes have been announced. But staying informed is the best way to protect your household.
Check with official sources. Keep your records updated. And watch for news from trusted agencies.
