Be Prepared for Changes to SNAP Work Requirements
- Author: Marsha Howe
- Posted: 2023-10-30
Recently, the government reached a negotiated deal to increase the national debt limit. As a part of this deal, Congress agreed to change the work requirements for people who need help with food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their states. SNAP benefits, which are also known as food stamps, help qualifying low-income people get enough food to meet the needs of their families. To qualify, you must meet both income and work requirements, and Congress agreed to increase the work requirements in all states.
Changes to the Work Requirements: What to Expect
As a part of the deal, Congress agreed to increase the work requirements for older adults up to age 55. The law increased the age for adults without dependents who must meet work eligibility requirements to get SNAP benefits. In the remainder of the fiscal year 2023 through Sept. 2023, the maximum age for work requirements is increased from 50 to 51. In the fiscal year 2024, which begins in Oct. 2023, the maximum age for work requirements will be 53, and in the fiscal year 2025, which begins in October 2024, the maximum age will be 55.
If you are younger than this and do not have dependents, you will have to submit proof that you are working, volunteering, or participating in a work training program. Depending on your state, you might also have to meet additional requirements.
To meet the minimum federal work requirements for SNAP benefits eligibility for longer than three months in three years, you must show you are participating in one of the following activities:
- Working at least 80 hours per month
- Have registered for employment and training services at an approved workforce agency and are participating at least 80 hours per month
- Volunteering at least 80 hours per month if unable to find a job
If you voluntarily reduce your hours, refuse to register for employment and training, or fail to respond to requests for employment activities, you can lose your SNAP benefits.
Exemptions to the Updated SNAP Work Requirements
Congress included a few exemptions to the work requirements for people seeking SNAP benefits. If you are in one of the following groups, you won't need to meet the new work requirements:
- You are older than 51 in 2023, 53 in 2024, or 55 in 2025 and beyond
- You are 24 or younger and were in foster care at the time you turned 18
- You have young children in your household
- You are disabled, unable to work, and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- You are homeless
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- You are pregnant
Applying for SNAP
The federal government provides funds to the states to administer SNAP programs, but you must apply through your state's assistance agency. Make sure to gather your income information, including paystubs, W-2s, 1099 forms, and others. For purposes of SNAP eligibility, your income must generally not exceed 130% of the federal poverty limit for your state based on the size of your household. All income sources are counted for eligibility purposes.
Once you submit an application, your state will evaluate it and determine your SNAP eligibility. You should receive a notice within 30 days. While you are waiting, you will be required to complete an eligibility interview and submit proof of your income, employment, and resources.
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, your letter will tell you what your certification period is. You'll need to continue meeting your work requirements and complete the recertification process once your certification period draws close to its end.
Food assistance fulfills a critical need and helps to ensure people receive adequate nutrition. Gather your documents to prepare for the verification process, and be honest in your application and when you complete your eligibility interview. If you meet the income eligibility guidelines for your state and household size, you can still receive SNAP benefits even while working. If you are struggling and have trouble meeting your food needs, you shouldn't hesitate to apply for SNAP benefits.
