Upcoming SNAP Benefits Changes: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) undergoes regular revisions, as do other government programmes.
The Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture has verified several upcoming changes to SNAP benefits, set to begin next month.
Several changes are coming to SNAP benefits beginning next month, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service confirmed. https://t.co/Bt5pD8uO7l
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Changes to SNAP Eligibility for Able-Bodied Adults
These changes, triggered by the Fiscal Responsibility Act signed by President Joe Biden in June, predominantly affect one group of SNAP recipients: able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 50 to 54.
For context, ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 49 have been required to demonstrate they are actively working, pursuing an education, or participating in a training programme for at least 80 hours per month in order to qualify for SNAP for more than three months.
Beginning September 1, the new changes will progressively extend these requirements to older age groups.
To continue receiving SNAP benefits after this date, individuals who are 50 years old and qualify for the ABAWD category will also need to satisfy these work requirements.
On October 1, 2023, the age requirement will increase to 52, and on October 1, 2024, it will increase to 54.
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In addition, the revised system includes three essential exemptions. According to a spokesperson for the USDA, homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults ages 18 to 24 who have transitioned out of foster care will be exempt from these stringent work requirements.
Additionally, those unable to work due to physical or mental impairments, pregnant women, and those with children under the age of 18 living in their residences will be exempt.
Despite the expansion of exemption eligibility, state agencies administering SNAP benefits will be constrained in their ability to grant exemptions.
Beginning on October 1, 2023, a USDA representative explained that the annual allocation of individual ABAWD discretionary exemptions for state agencies will decrease from 12 percent to 8 percent of the caseload subject to the ABAWD time limit.
Individuals who do not meet the newly established employment requirements will be eligible for SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months over a three-year period. It is anticipated that these requirements will remain in effect until October 1, 2030.
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