With food prices constantly rising, more Americans are seeking support from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP benefits or food stamps. This program offers food assistance to families and individuals who have low incomes and it is provided through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.
With this card, people can purchase essential foods at specific supermarkets and stores. However, it cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, tobacco products, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or prescription medications.
On the other hand, the requirements to be considered for these benefits are quite specific. One of them, the age and work limit, was modified in July 2024 and came into effect in September.
What’s the new law about SNAP benefits?
Those people who do not work, but are considered ABAWD (Able-bodied adults without dependents) could lose their food stamps!
That’s what was approved in July 2024 by Congress: in order to be eligible to receive SNAP benefits, adults age 50 or younger must work a minimum of 80 hours per month.
This came into effect on September 1, 2024, however the age limit will increase again to 52 years by October 1st, 2024, and then to 54 years by October 1st, 2024.
As of September 1, there will be stricter requirements for people to receive SNAP benefits. The age requirement for benefits will increase from 50 to 52 on October 1. https://t.co/FxFpfB9DiD
— KION News Channel 46 (@KIONnews) September 2, 2023
Exceptions
Although the law applies to all states, each one has the option to exempt certain individuals from this requirement, for example:
- People with dependents
- Disabled people
- Homeless
- Veterans
- Pregnant people or people with children under 6 years of age
How was it approved?
The law for the new age and work limit on SNAP benefits was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 225-207, and in the Senate by 52-48.
It was supported by Republicans, who argued that this is a measure to encourage work so that people do not depend on the government. Furthermore, they consider that an ABAWD has all the capabilities to obtain the necessary income and thus leave SNAP benefits to those who really need it.
On the contrary, Democrats indicate that this measure can harm vulnerable people since they will be forced to take jobs that they do not want to accept, and that can lead them to more poverty.
What is certain is that this law is expected to cause a significant change in the number of people receiving SNAP benefits. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it is estimated that approximately 2 million people will be removed from SNAP benefit programs.
Concerns about this new law
Some of the concerns regarding this new law are not directly related to age, but to the fact that if people get more hours of work, they will get “higher income”; as a result, they may reach the maximum allowable income amount and won’t be eligible for SNAP benefits anymore.
Other concerns are:
- People who can’t document their work hours:
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How does this impact college students?
Comment
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