Significant changes are coming for SNAP benefit recipients across the United States, thanks to a proposal that will soon affect all 50 states, and certain groups of beneficiaries — or those with intentions of applying for this aid — should read this to understand what the impact on eligibility is.
The SNAP benefits, informally known as food stamps, provide financial support to low-income and non-income individuals and families who face difficulties in meeting their food and basic needs. According to data from the Pew Research Center, during fiscal year 2022, approximately 41.2 million people belonging to 21.6 million households received monthly SNAP payments.
Proposed Rule Brings Significant Changes for SNAP Benefits
The latest proposal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). USA. it contemplates modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which include exemptions for certain applicants from time limits and an expansion of the age ranges to which such limits apply.
Generally, SNAP recipients who do not have dependents can only receive assistance for a total of three months in a three-year period, unless they meet certain specific work requirements. These requirements include enrolling in employment programs, job training designated by the state SNAP agency, accepting suitable job opportunities when offered, and not voluntarily resigning from a job or reducing their working hours to less than 30 hours per week without valid justification.
The idea of this policy is to encourage the participation of these groups of people in the labor market and, at the same time, to ensure that SNAP resources are distributed among those with the most pressing needs.
SNAP Job Requirements Now Back in Effect: Don’t Lose Your Benefits
During the coronavirus pandemic, work requirements and time limits for SNAP recipients were temporarily suspended. However, these measures were re-applied on October 1, 2023. This means that those who do not meet the established work requirements could lose their SNAP payments.
As a result, the age limit for receiving SNAP benefits is gradually increased, going from 18 to 49 years and then to 18 to 54 years. This modification has been partially implemented and will be completed later in 2024, as established by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
The progressive increase in the age range establishes new guidelines for those who can access SNAP benefits. This process began on September 1, 2023, raising the age limit from 49 to 50 years. Later, on October 1 of the same year, the age limit was raised to 52 years. Finally, on October 1, 2024, the age limit is expected to increase again, this time to 54 years.
The proposed rule means that people between the ages of 52 and 54 must inevitably meet SNAP’s work requirements to continue receiving benefits starting in October. Unless they are exempt, they will have to prove their participation in labor programs to maintain food aid.
However, there are exceptions that should be considered by beneficiaries and soon-to-be aplicants. The proposal states that war veterans, the homeless, and young adults who are no longer in foster care now will not need to meet the time limit requirements to maintain their monthly SNAP payments.