Food Stamps

We may be a few months into the year, but now is the time when some of the newly enacted laws will start to be reinforced. If you’re depending on food stamps, there are some changes you need to know. With the new changes implemented, millions of people in the United States are expected to be impacted, so make sure that you are still covered. Here are some changes the U.S. government has made, that may affect your use of food stamps:

SNAP Benefits will be cut down.

SNAP benefits were originally supposed to be for those who are employed, yet still cannot provide for their family on their salary alone. But now, many unemployed people are starting to take advantage of the benefits that SNAP provides. However, new legislation states that those who are unemployed will no longer be able to receive endless SNAP benefits. Unless unemployed citizens can prove that they are unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability, they will no longer be able to bank off the benefits of food stamps.

There will be a three-month limit in many cases.

For those who are unemployed and depend on SNAP benefits, there will be a three-month time limit until they must secure a job. This time limit applies to adults ages 18 to 50 who do not have any dependents, disabilities, or are pregnant. If they do not find a job within the three-month period, they will no longer be able to receive SNAP Benefits. Those who are currently employed should still be covered as long as they continue to hold a job, and do not go without working for longer than three months.

Twenty-two states will be enforcing these changes.

To be clear, not all states will be enforcing the three month limit, or the cut downs. This is because some states have a higher rate of unemployment due to the lack of available jobs in the area. Make sure to check out the new updates in your region to see if the new updates apply to you. Many, but not all, will be affected by the new SNAP cuts, so do your research. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

You can still waive the time limit in some cases.

Even if your state is one of the 22 states that is enacting the new SNAP cuts, you may still be able to buy yourself some time if you need. Depending on where you live, you may be able to prove that your region has a high unemployment rate. If the unemployment rate for where you live is ten percent or higher as determined by the United States Department of Labor, the time limit may be waived. However, just because the time limit is waived, it doesn’t mean you can take advantage of it. To continue receiving SNAP benefits, unemployed and able citizens must prove that they are actively seeking out work. And if a job is offered to them, they must take it, within reason.

These new changes may not affect you if you understand the rules of SNAP, but many American will be impacted and need to make some changes to continue receiving government assistance. With a large population of people on food stamps, the new laws are supposed to help get the people who need it food, and weed out those who don’t. But in desperate times, many in need may be limited by these changes. Make sure to do your research so you don’t get excluded from the food stamp benefits that you need to keep your family going.