Starting from September 1st, changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were put into effect.
New SNAP Work Requirements On Effect; Here’s What You Need To Know!|WBNG
The new SNAP work requirements are affecting the eligibility for food stamps.
The new SNAP work requirements state that anyone between the ages of 18 and 50 who is an able-bodied adult without dependents may need to meet the new SNAP work requirements in order to receive food stamps.
Due to the new SNAP work requirements more people may be required to work in order to receive SNAP for longer than three months in a three-year period.
In Ohio alone, an estimated 65,000 people will be affected by the new SNAP work requirements. These new SNAP work requirements have raised concerns about the impact on individuals facing food insecurity.
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The new SNAP work requirements have two sets: the general work requirements and the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements.
The general work requirements are applicable to individuals between the ages of 16 and 59 who are able to work. To receive SNAP benefits, individuals must register for work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training or workfare if assigned by their state SNAP agency, accept suitable job offers, and not quit or reduce work hours below 30 a week without a valid reason, according to USDA FNS.
The ABAWD work requirement and time limit apply to individuals aged 18-50 (18-52 in October), who are able to work and have no dependents. In addition to the general work requirements, they must also meet an additional work requirement to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a three-year period.
This new SNAP work requirement can be fulfilled by working at least 80 hours a month, participating in a work program for at least 80 hours a month, a combination of work and work program hours totaling at least 80 hours a month, or participating in workfare for a designated number of hours each month, USDA FNS added.
Although there are exceptions, if individuals fail to meet the new SNAP work requirements, they will be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for at least a month.
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