In the United States, over 44 million people struggle with hunger, according to a 2022 study. For many of these people, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments are essential for buying food.
However, new rules might make it harder for some people to get their SNAP benefits. Let’s break down these changes and what they mean for SNAP recipients.
New Work Rules for SNAP Benefits
Impact of the New Restrictions
Starting in October, new work rules might cause some SNAP recipients to lose their benefits. According to finance expert Michael Ryan, people up to age 54 who don’t have children must now work to keep their SNAP payments.
These rules were put in place to encourage people to find jobs and support themselves.
Who Needs to Work?
SNAP helps low-income people buy healthy food, but it’s not a free ride. Able-bodied individuals have always needed to work to qualify for SNAP.
To get benefits, you must be between 16 and 59 years old, register for employment, and sometimes participate in workfare if your state’s SNAP agency requires it.
Job Requirements
If you’re offered a job, you must take it. You can’t quit without a valid reason or work less than 30 hours a week. If you already work 30 hours or more a week or meet work requirements for other programs like TANF,
you don’t have to follow these new rules. Those caring for a child under six, a disabled person, or those in a treatment program are also exempt.
Special Rules for Certain Age Groups
ABAWD Requirements
Starting October 1, people aged 18 to 52 without dependents must meet the Able-bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement.
This means you need to work at least 80 hours a month or join a work program like SNAP Employment and Training. This can include a mix of work and program hours. People aged 53 and 54 are also included in this requirement.
Exemptions to the New Rules
Who is Exempt?
Some people don’t need to follow the new SNAP rules. This includes individuals who can’t work due to health issues, pregnant women, those caring for a family member under 18, veterans, homeless people, or those who were in foster care and are now 24 or younger.
If you don’t meet the ABAWD work requirement, you’ll lose benefits after three months. To get benefits again, you must either wait three years for another three months of benefits or meet the work requirements for 30 days.
Importance of Staying Informed
Why Awareness Matters
Financial literacy lecturer Alex Beene says the change in age requirements could greatly affect SNAP recipients. Many people might lose their benefits simply because they don’t know about the new rules.
It’s important for state governments to ensure that everyone affected understands these changes to avoid losing their essential benefits.
The new SNAP work requirements, effective from October 1st, will impact many beneficiaries. Staying informed about these rules is crucial to keeping your benefits. If you’re affected, make sure to follow the new regulations to avoid losing your important SNAP payments.
What are the new work requirements for SNAP benefits?
Starting in October 2024, people up to age 54 without children must work at least 80 hours per month or join a work program to keep their SNAP benefits. This change is designed to encourage employment among able-bodied individuals.
Who is exempt from the new SNAP work rules?
Exemptions include individuals who cannot work due to health issues, pregnant women, those caring for a child under 18, veterans, homeless individuals, and those who were in foster care and are now 24 or younger. If you fall into one of these categories, you don’t have to follow the new work requirements.
What happens if I don’t meet the new work requirements?
If you don’t meet the new work requirements, you’ll lose your SNAP benefits after three months. To get your benefits back, you either have to wait three years for another three months of benefits or meet the work requirements for 30 days.
Do I need to follow these new rules if I already have a job?
If you already work 30 hours or more a week, or meet work requirements for other programs like TANF, you are exempt from these new rules. You also don’t need to follow them if you are in a treatment program or caring for a young child or a disabled person.
How can I stay informed about these changes?
It’s important to stay informed about the new rules by checking with your state’s SNAP agency or visiting official SNAP websites. Being aware of the changes will help you maintain your benefits and avoid any unexpected issues.
