Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, hinges on meeting specific criteria, including income and resource limits. MARCA.com breaks down these requirements for you.
The focal point of this article revolves around the particular work obligations for certain SNAP beneficiaries, referred to as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). These individuals, aged between 18 and 52, are deemed capable of working and don’t have dependents.
They’re allowed only three months of SNAP benefits within a 36-month period if they fail to fulfill the required work criteria. One such criterion is working or engaging in a work program for a minimum of 30 hours per week on average. Non-compliance leads to “violations,” resulting in monthly penalties unless they participate in the Food Assistance E&T program.
The repercussions for failing to meet these requirements escalate with each occurrence. The first instance results in a 3-month violation, the second in a 6-month violation, and the third in a 1-year violation.
Nevertheless, exemptions and variations to these regulations exist, contingent on factors like the recipient’s location, job availability, disability status, and other circumstances.
It’s imperative for individuals to consult their local SNAP office or visit the official SNAP website for the most current and accurate information regarding eligibility criteria and work obligations in their respective areas.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, SNAP work limits were suspended. However, with the pandemic declared officially over by the World Health Organization, the USA will revert to its previous policy regarding time limits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is implementing new rule changes that will affect approximately 41.2 million Americans enrolled in the program, as per the Pew Research Center.
The maximum age for an ABAWD is slated to increase from 49 to 54 by the end of 2024. This means that even if you’re a decade away from being considered a senior citizen, the federal government still expects you to work for your food.