The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made some changes regarding SNAP work requirements. After the Fiscal Responsibility Act of the current year, more Americans will have to comply with additional conditions.
That means SNAP beneficiaries need to check if they have to meet this work requirement. Bear in mind that it started on October 1, 2023. So, it came into effect immediately after.
These work requirements will make Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents work for 80 hours per month, at least, to cash Food Stamps. If not, they will only be able to cash SNAP benefits for only 3 months in a period of three years.
WHICH ADULTS MUST MEET THE NEW WORK REQUIREMENT TO GET SNAP?
This work requirement to cash SNAP benefits is only for those adults who are childless and can work between the ages of 18-52. Therefore, those who are younger than 53, have the ability to work, and have no kids must meet this work requirement.
Of course, this measure can affect millions of beneficiaries every year. USDA has prepared a waiver for those areas with no jobs or for those places with high unemployment rates.
Actually, there are also exemptions for adults who can work. For example, if you are pregnant, a veteran, or a homeless person you can avoid this work requirement to continue collecting SNAP benefits.
What is more, people with a qualifying disability do not need to meet these work requirements either. Besides, young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 who were in foster care can skip this rule too.
If you are willing to look for a job and work for 80 hours, but you cannot, training or education is also possible. Therefore, you can get trained to get a different job to avoid the work requirement to cash Food Stamps. In this way, you will have more money to buy healthy food and save for other expenses.
